The Independent Living Program (ILP) helps youth ages 14-23 years old who are in out-of-home placement make the transition to become independent, self-sufficient and productive adults. Youth in placement on or after their 14th birthday through the Erie County Office of Children and Youth or Juvenile Probation Office are referred exclusively by the Erie County Office of Children and Youth (OCY).
The Independent Living Program is a free, voluntary grant-funded program designed to assist youth & young adults in making the transition from placement to self-sufficiency, through participation in a range of services.
It is a collaboration of the Erie County Office of Children and Youth, Family Services of NW PA, and Bethesda Lutheran Services. Partnered services include individual counseling, life skills groups, job preparation, assistance in enrolling in higher education, and assistance in obtaining adequate housing.
1:1 Work
- An ILP case manager will be assigned to participant, who they will meet with at least once a month.
- The ILP case manager will work with participant to complete an assessment that shows strengths and areas to work on regarding life skills.
- Participant and ILP case manager will create an individualized case plan that addresses identified goals to improve skills and experience in life skills.
- ILP case manager will partner with the participant to achieve case plan goals.
Life Skills Groups
Participant is encouraged to join life skills groups. This allows meeting and socializing with other ILP participants. Some groups are classroom-style, and some are in the "real world." Topics may include Financial Literacy, Wellness, Job Readiness, Housing, PRIDE, Health & Wellness, Cooking, Drug & Alcohol Awareness, Media, Mental Health Awareness, Sports, Blended Spirits, etc. Attendees may earn funds for actively participating in groups.
Stipends
Funds are available to be requested by participant to assist with items needed to achieve independence. Examples of financial stipend contributions are costs to obtain learner's permit or state ID card, bus pass, job interview and employment clothing, work uniforms, start-up items for a dorm or apartment, textbooks for college, etc.
Housing Programs
Participants 18 and older may be eligible to live in ILP-rented apartments to learn the skills necessary to be able to live independently.
Candidates must:
- Complete a written housing assessment.
- Complete pre move-in life skills sessions and interview.
- Sign an agreement to follow all program rules.
- Meet weekly with Housing Specialist.
- Complete ongoing housing life skills.
- Maintain employment or attend an education program.
North Star Mentoring
North Star Mentoring helps young people with a history of foster care and/or out-of-home placement to make permanent connections with positive adult role models. This service is available to all youth enrolled in the Independent Living Program.
Youth Media Development
Youth Media Development (YMD), in partnership with Community Access Media (CAM), provides opportunities for youth and young adults in the Independent Living Program to learn skills needed to navigate the digital world. This includes skills related to television, social media, photography, podcasts, e-sports, and more.
The Snack Shack Food Truck
The Snack Shack Food Truck is a youth-driven business operated by the Independent Living Program, provides youth and young adults with practical, hands-on job readiness skills and training by providing the opportunity to develop, run, and operate a full-service food truck business.
