Independent Living

Youth and Young Adult Services provides programs that guide and support foster youth and alumni of foster care - young adults between the ages of 15+30 days to 23 for eligibility, as they transition from foster care to self-sufficiency. Through group training, one-on-one coaching, and adult and peer mentors, youth receive support to pursue their education, train for employment, learn financial literacy, and develop critical life skills. These include creating healthy relationships, self-advocacy, and maintaining support networks.

Youth & Young Adult LifeSet

LifeSet is a clinically, evidence-based program designed to help young adults successfully transition out of systems of care. This program allows you to meet with a case manager as often as necessary to help you navigate the challenges of independent living. Similar to the independent living program, this program is intended to help you access the tools you need to prepare for a successful future. However, LifeSet is a more intensive, wrap-around program to help you meet specific life goals. You can graduate out of the program after six to nine months, but we continue to offer support through our Youth and Young Adult programs for as long as necessary for you to become confident and self-sufficient.

Participants: Young adults ages 17.5 (+30 days) to 22
Requirements: Exiting Systems of Care (Foster Care or others)
Cost: Free
Duration of program: 6-9 months
Commitment: Weekly, up to several hours each week
Located: Yakima and Richland
Contact: 509.853.1300, Richland 509.946.4645
Serves Yakima, Benton, and Franklin counties
Referral: All referrals are approved by DCYF.

Youth and Young Adult Housing

The Youth and Young Adult Housing Program (YAHP) assists homeless young adults between 18-23.5 in obtaining safe and stable housing. This is a one-year rental subsidy program. With the help of a case manager, young adults will build skills to effectively search and keep stable housing. Clients will also work on Tenant rights education, financial literacy, employment, education, supportive network building. Progress towards these goals is supported through weekly case management.