Independent Living
Valley Youth House – Achieving Independence Center – Philadelphia
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Southeast Independent Living Regional Director: Allison Moore
General Information: 215-574-9194
Referrals Megan Schmierer Membership and Outreach Coordinator 215-574-9194 x233 |
Address: Achieving Independence Center
1118 Market Street, 2nd Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107
Referral Source: Philadelphia Department of Human Services, Foster Care & Group Home Service Providers, Individuals, Families, and Community Agencies
Eligibility: Member of the Achieving Independence Center – To qualify youth must:
- Be between 16 and 21 years old;
- Be in or have been in out-of-home placement at or after age 16; and
- Have been adjudicated dependent OR dependent and delinquent with shared case management responsibility between DHS and the juvenile probation office.
Exclusions: Non-members of the Achieving Independence Center or individuals who lost their membership privileges.
Length of Membership: Up to age 21
Program Description:
The AIC is a "one-stop shop" designed to help youth transitioning from dependent care achieve their future goals of self-sufficiency. The AIC is a collaborative project sponsored by the Philadelphia Department of Human Services and managed by Valley Youth House. The Center provides access to a full range of independent living services to meet each youth's individual transition needs. Services include: life skills training, mentoring, family planning, housing assistance, educational support services, computer literacy, employment and career planning, and personal development. On-site partner agencies including Action AIDS, Pathways PA, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern PA, and Temple University provide specialized supports including workshops, tutoring, community events and one-on-one counseling. The AIC's model works to provide easy access to a wide range of services in one convenient location. The Center is open to youth Monday-Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday 12pm-5pm, and Saturday 11am-3pm. Summer hours from late June through August are Monday-Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday 12pm-5pm and Saturday 11am-3pm.
Valley Youth House – Supportive Housing Program (SHP) – Philadelphia
Southeast Independent Living Regional Director: Allison Moore
Referrals and questions:
Lamya Broussard Therapist |
Emily Van Yuga Associate Director-Residential Programs |
Address: Valley Youth House – Philadelphia
42 S. 15th Street, Suite 800 Philadelphia, PA 19102
Referral Source: Achieving Independence Center, Individuals, Families, Philadelphia Shelters, Community Agencies
Eligibility: Currently homeless single male or female youth, parenting, and pregnant teens between the ages of 16 and 20 ½ who were in the custody of public child welfare on or after their 16th birthday, and were discharged from care. Voluntary participation and high level of motivation are necessary. Demonstrated ability to live independently with at least twice weekly meetings with assigned Life Skills Counselor.
Exclusions: Acutely suicidal or homicidal youth or youth actively using drugs or alcohol. Youth with pending criminal charges are considered case by case.
Length of Stay: Minimum of three months and maximum of 24 months; Up to 21.5 years of age
Program Description:
Valley Youth House SHP provides scattered-site, individual apartments for homeless youth who have transitioned out of the foster care system. Youth live in their apartment within Philadelphia County. They are provided with rental and utility assistance, basic household items & furnishings upon moving in, and emergency food & transportation aid. They also receive life skills, individual, group and family counseling. Youth need to be motivated and voluntarily enter the program. Youth attend local high schools, colleges or GED classes and must be working. Youth receive counseling for career and educational planning, money management, permanent housing options, medical & sexual health, parenting, social skills, and how to access appropriate community services. Staff members are available 24 hours a day by telephone. Life Skills Counselors meet with each individual at least twice per week to assist them in reaching their goals. Counselors hold bachelors or masters degrees in human services, social work or related field.
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing (HPRP)
Vice President Independent Living: Bill Motsavage
Referrals and questions:
Becky Birenbaum
Valley Youth House
800 N. York Road
Bldg #28
Warminster, PA 18974610
272-2946
bbirenbaumvyh@gmail.com
Referral Source: Self referrals, shelters, and Bucks County Office of Children and Youth
Eligibility: Youth between the ages of 18-21 that are homeless or are at risk of homelessness. Must be a Bucks County resident.
Exclusions: Youth who display suicidal or homicidal ideation, are actively using drugs or alcohol, or who otherwise present a danger to themselves or the community.
Length of Stay: Up to one year
Program Description: HPRP assists youth in locating and obtaining an apartment in the community. Valley Youth House provides funds for security deposits, rent, utilities, start-up furnishings, and transportation. Participants are responsible for paying monthly rent co-pays of 30% of their adjusted gross income.
Youth receive individual life skills counseling focused on developing and implementing an individual plan for independence. The plan and services include obtaining and retaining employment, educational planning, money management, budgeting, housing planning, parenting, social skills, and how to access appropriate community services. Youth need to be motivated and voluntarily enter the program. Youth attend local high schools, colleges, or GED classes and if not working must be actively seeking employment. Counselors hold bachelors or masters degrees. HPRP apartments may be located anywhere in Bucks County.
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Valley Youth House – Supervised Independent Living (SIL) – Philadelphia
Southeast Independent Living Regional Director: Allison Moore
Referrals and questions:
Emily Van Yuga Associate Director-Residential Programs |
Lamya Broussard, Intake/Therapist |
Address: Valley Youth House – Philadelphia
42 S. 15th Street, Suite 1100 Philadelphia, PA 19102
Referral Source: Philadelphia Department of Human Services
Eligibility: Single male or female youth, parenting, and pregnant teens between the ages of 17 ½ and 20 ½ who are in the custody of public child welfare. Voluntary participation and high level of motivation are necessary. Demonstrated ability to live independently with at least twice weekly meetings with assigned Life Skills Counselor.
Exclusions: Acutely suicidal or homicidal youth or youth actively using drugs or alcohol. Youth with pending criminal charges are considered case by case.
Length of Stay: Up to the age of 21
Program Description:
Valley Youth House SIL program provides scattered-site, individual apartments for youth transitioning out of the foster care system. Youth live in their apartment within Philadelphia County. They are provided with rental and utility assistance, money for food and personal needs, a SEPTA transpass, as well as life skills, individual, group and family counseling. Youth need to be motivated and voluntarily enter the program. Youth attend local high schools, colleges or GED classes and must be working or actively seeking employment. Youth receive counseling for career and educational planning, money management, permanent housing options, medical & sexual health, parenting, social skills, and how to access appropriate community services. Staff members are available 24 hours a day by telephone. Counselors hold bachelors or masters degrees in human services, social work or related field.
Valley Youth House – Maternity Group Home (MGH)
Vice President Independent Living: Bill Motsavage
Referrals and questions:
Lisa Weingartner, Director |
|
Address: Valley Youth House, 511 E. 3rd St. Suite 28, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Referral Sources:Youth, child welfare/county children and youth agencies, probation and police officers, teachers, other social services agencies, etc.
Eligibility: Parenting or pregnant mothers or fathers between the ages of 16 and 21 and their child(ren). Voluntary participation and high level of motivation are necessary.
Exclusions: Youth in the custody of county children and youth or probation agencies. Youth who are acutely suicidal or homicidal or youth who are using drugs or alcohol.
Length of Stay: Up to24 months or the age of 21
Program Description:Valley Youth House Maternity Group Home program provides semi-supervised and individual apartments for parenting and pregnant homeless and runaway youth and their children. Life skills, parenting, individual, group and family counseling are provided. Money for food and transportation are provided. Youth are given appropriate freedom and responsibility in order to prepare them for independence. Youth primarily attend local high schools, colleges or GED classes. Youth receive counseling for employment, educational planning, money management, budgeting, house planning, parenting, social skills, and how to access appropriate community services. Staff are available 24 hours a day. Counselors hold bachelors or masters degrees. The MGH apartments are located in the Allentown and Bethlehem area.
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Valley Youth House
- Realistic Environment for Adolescent Living (REAL-Lehigh Valley)
- Realistic Environment for Adolescent Living (REAL-Luzerne)
- Realistic Environment for Adolescent Living Mother/Baby (REAL M/B)
Vice President Independent Living: Bill Motsavage
Referrals and questions:
Lisa Weingartner, Director |
Nichole Lauivara 570-704-1440 (Luzerne) |
Addresses: Valley Youth House, 511 E. 3rd St. Suite 28, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Valley Youth House, P.O. Box 1072, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 (Luzerne)
Referral Sources: Youth, child welfare/county children and youth agencies, probation and police officers, teachers, other social services agencies, etc.
Eligibility: Single male or female youth, pregnant and parenting youth between the ages of 15 ½ and 21 and their child(ren). Youth who are in the custody of public child welfare or juvenile probation. Voluntary participation and high level of motivation are necessary.
Exclusions: Youth who are acutely suicidal or homicidal or youth who are using drugs or alcohol.
Length of Stay: Up to the age of 21
Program Description: Valley Youth House REAL and REAL M/B programs provides semi-supervised independent living for youth transitioning out of a more structured setting or foster care. Youth live in groups of apartments or homes with other housemates. "TAKE TOUR" Life skills, individual, group and family counseling are provided. Money for food and transportation are provided. Youth are given appropriate freedom and responsibility in order to prepare them for independence. Youth attend local high schools, colleges or GED classes. Youth receive counseling for employment, educational planning, money management, budgeting, house planning, parenting, social skills, and how to access appropriate community services. Staff are available 24 hours a day. Counselors hold bachelors or masters degrees. The REAL and REAL M/B apartments are located in the Allentown and Bethlehem areas.
Valley Youth House
– Supervised Independent Living (SIL) – Lehigh Valley
– Supervised Independent Living (SIL) – Luzerne
Vice President Independent Living: Bill Motsavage
Referrals and questions:
Lisa Weingartner, Director |
Nichole Lauivara 570-704-1440 (Luzerne) |
Address:Valley Youth House, 511 E. 3rd St. Suite 28, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Referral Sources: Youth, child welfare/county children and youth agencies, probation and police officers, teachers, other social services agencies, etc.
Eligibility: Single male or female youth, pregnant and parenting youth and their child(ren) between the ages of 17 ½ and 21. Youth who are in the custody of public child welfare or juvenile probation. Voluntary participation and high level of motivation are necessary.
Exclusions: Youth who are acutely suicidal or homicidal or youth who are using drugs or alcohol.
Length of Stay: Up to the age of 21
Program Description: Valley Youth House SIL program provides individual apartments for youth transitioning from a more structured setting or foster care. Youth live in their own apartment and are provided with rental and utility assistance, money for food and transportation, as well as life skills, individual, group and family counseling. Youth need to be motivated and voluntarily enter the program. Youth attend local high schools, colleges or GED classes and must be working or actively seeking employment. Youth receive counseling for employment, educational planning, money management, budgeting, house planning, parenting, social skills, and how to access appropriate community services. Staff are available 24 hours a day. Counselors hold bachelors or masters degrees. The SIL – Lehigh Valley apartments are located in the Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton areas.
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Valley Youth House
- Adolescents Achieving Independence (AAI)
- Montgomery County Independent Living Program
Vice President Independent Living: Bill Motsavage
Referrals and questions:
Linda Rolley |
Becky Birenbaum |
Addresses: Valley Youth House, 511 E. 3rd St. Suite 28, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Valley Youth House, 1109 W Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401
Referral Sources: Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon, and Montgomery County Children and Youth Agencies, and former foster care youth age 16 to 21.
Eligibility: Current and former dependent youth ages 16 to 21. Voluntary participation is required.
Exclusions: Youth placed outside of the four identified counties will receive limited services or be referred to a local IL provider.
Length of Stay:Up to the age of 21
Program Description:The AAI and Montgomery County IL programs provide out-client individual and group counseling focused on assisting youth in making a successful transition to independence. Participants receive assistance in developing and implementing an individual goal plan centered on housing, education, employment, and life skills goals. Services are provided primarily in the foster home, group home, community, or one of two IL offices. Two main components exist in the AAI and Montco IL programs: regular IL and aftercare. Regular IL services are provided to young people still in foster care while aftercare services are available to former dependent youth up to the age of 21. Limited funds are available in the form of stipends to assist youth in obtaining IL goals.
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Valley Youth House - Montgomery County Housing 101 Program
Vice President Independent Living: Bill Motsavage
Referrals and questions:
Becky Birenbaum
610 272-2946 (Montgomery)
bbirenbaumvyh@gmail.com
Address: Valley Youth House, 1109 W Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401
Referral Sources: Self referrals and Montgomery County Office of Children and Youth.
Eligibility: Former dependent youth from Montgomery County ages 18 to 21 at entry. Voluntary participation is required.
Exclusions: Youth who display suicidal or homicidal ideation, are actively using drugs or alcohol, or who otherwise present a danger to themselves or the community.
Length of Stay: Up to three years.
Program Description: Housing 101 assists youth in locating and obtaining an apartment in the community. Valley Youth House provides funds for security deposits, rent, start-up furnishings, and transportation. Participants are responsible for paying monthly rent co-pays of 30% of their adjusted gross income to their landlord.
Youth receive individual and group counseling focused on developing and implementing an individual plan for independence. The plan and services include obtaining and retaining employment, educational planning, money management, budgeting, housing planning, parenting, social skills, and how to access appropriate community services. Youth need to be motivated and voluntarily enter the program. Youth attend local high schools, colleges, or GED classes and if not working must be actively seeking employment. Staff are available 24 hours a day. Counselors hold bachelors or masters degrees. Housing 101 apartments may be located anywhere in Montgomery County.
Valley Youth House – Lehigh Valley Supportive Housing Program (LV-SHP)
Vice President Independent Living: Bill Motsavage
Referrals and questions:
Michele Engler-Albright
610 317-0721
mengler@valleyyouthhouse.org
Address: Valley Youth House, 511 E. 3rd St. Suite 28, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Referral Sources: Self referral, schools, child welfare/county children and youth agencies (non-adjudicated youth), teachers, other social services agencies, etc.
Eligibility: Single male or female youth, pregnant and parenting youth and their child(ren) between the ages of 17 ½ and 21 at entry. Youth must meet homeless criteria set by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and may not be in the custody of public child welfare or juvenile probation. Voluntary participation and high level of motivation are necessary.
Exclusions: Youth who are acutely suicidal or homicidal, currently using drugs or alcohol, or who present a safety risk to themselves or others.
Length of Stay: Maximum of 2 years.
Program Description: LV-SHP assists youth in locating and obtaining an apartment in the community. Valley Youth House provides funds for security deposits, rent, start-up furnishings, transportation, and limited food assistance. Participants are responsible for paying monthly rent co-pays up to 30% of their adjusted gross income.
Youth receive individual and group counseling focused on developing and implementing an individual plan for independence. The plan and services include obtaining and retaining employment, educational planning, money management, budgeting, housing planning, parenting, social skills, and how to access appropriate community services. Youth need to be motivated and voluntarily enter the program. Youth attend local high schools, colleges or GED classes and if not working must be actively seeking employment. Staff are available 24 hours a day. Counselors hold bachelors or masters degrees. LV-SHP apartments may be located anywhere in Lehigh Valley.
Valley Youth House – Transitional Living Program (TLP-Federal)
Vice President Independent Living: Bill Motsavage
Referrals and questions:
Lisa Weingartner, Director |
Trish Walters |
Address: Valley Youth House, 511 E. 3rd St. Suite 28, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Referral Sources: Youth, child welfare/county children and youth agencies, probation and police officers, teachers, other social services agencies, etc.
Eligibility: Single male or female youth between the ages of 16 and 21. Voluntary participation and high level of motivation are necessary.
Exclusions: Youth in the custody of county children and youth or probation agencies. Youth who are acutely suicidal or homicidal or youth who are using drugs or alcohol.
Length of Stay: Up to 24 months or the age of 21
Program Description: Valley Youth House TLP-Federal program provides semi-supervised independent living for homeless and runaway youth. Youth live in groups of apartments with housemates in a semi-staffed setting. "TAKE TOUR" Life skills, individual, group and family counseling are provided. Money for food and transportation are provided. Youth are given appropriate freedom and responsibility in order to prepare them for independence. Youth primarily attend local high schools, colleges or GED classes. Youth receive counseling for employment, educational planning, money management, budgeting, house planning, parenting, social skills, and how to access appropriate community services. Staff are available 24 hours a day. Counselors hold bachelors or masters degrees. The TLP-Federal apartments are located in the Allentown and Bethlehem area.
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