Transition To Adulthood (TTA) Program

BUILT TO SUPPORT

Vulnerable youth from the age of 16 to 24
Youth in the Fraser South area
Those who are motivated to create change

We recognize that change looks different for each youth, and we never treat them as just a number. Our goal is to support youth who struggle with issues such as mental health, homelessness (or at risk of it), single parenting, budgeting, and more.

Our main aim is to support youth aging out of the foster care system, but our life skills program is inclusive, and we are here to support youth in our community as well.

PROGRAM MISSION

The purpose of the Transition to Adulthood Program is to support and encourage young people in our community to overcome the diverse challenges they face, gain an understanding of their values and long-term goals, and work on developing life skills they can use as they navigate the world.

REFERRALS

We accept referrals from professionals (social workers, teachers, etc), family members, and self-referrals.
ONLINE REFERRAL FORM

“Being able to live independently while also receiving support when I needed it really helped me develop skills for independent living – I could cook, clean, and go to work on my own, but I could ask for help with groceries or mental health or goal setting when I needed it.”

“Sense of community. All the support I could ask for. If I have a problem, I know I can seek help and receive the help I need.”

“My youth worker made my moving into adulthood so much better. They helped me understand how to sign up for college and I am now in my first year because of them. They helped motivate me and give me new skills for the future that I can use every day.”

HOW WE SUPPORT YOUTH AT RISK

Developing life skills, finding employment, securing housing, completing applications, counselling, camps – these are some of the ways we assist youth to become more independent and create positive changes in their lives.

We support youth by meeting them where they are at, by working from a client-centered and strength-based approach. We walk alongside them every day, helping fill in the missing pieces and providing answers.

For example: when a social worker isn’t responding, we are there to fill in the gap, sometimes referring youth to other programs tailored specifically to the help they need, or giving them a transit card, grocery store gift card, etc.

WHO WE WORK WITH

VACFSS (Vancouver Aboriginal Child & Family Services Society)
Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD)
Métis Family Services

SUPPORTING YOUTH THROUGH CHANGE AND CHALLENGE

SOS BC believes that all youth should have the opportunity to reach their social, emotional and physical potential while participating in their communities. The teenage and young adult years are often ones of much transition and change, and sometimes challenge.

The Transition to Adulthood Program supports youth to:

Gain life skills
Learn to make healthy choices
Make meaningful connections with their community
Move in a positive direction in their life
Achieve their goals
Gain independence, and
Begin growing into healthy and contributing members of society

The program operates from a client-centered approach to meet the unique and individual needs of each youth.

HELPING YOUTH ATTAIN THEIR GOALS

Youth work one on one with our Youth Workers to discuss a plan and support needed to achieve customized individual goals. Our resources and youth workers allow for support around the following areas:

Employment – building resumes, job interview prep, buildings skills around professionalism and accountability
School – helping youth apply/register for GED courses and postsecondary education, support youth applying for scholarships, funding opportunities, access to funding, and academic support
Advocacy – ensuring youth understand their rights and responsibilities as youth aging out of care, representing youth while working with MCFD and other Foster Care Agencies to meet client needs
Finances – budgeting and understanding personal finances, including savings
Life Skills – cooking and kitchen prep/safety, sex education safety and hygiene, managing healthy relationships, stress management, maintaining a household
Self Care – learning how to take care of self on a mental, physical, and emotional level

“I love SOS BC, they were beyond supportive to me. This organization should be expanded and be recognized and used to inspire other programs alike.”

FOR DONORS: WHY SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS

SOS Children’s Village BC is affiliated with SOS Children’s Villages with 568 villages worldwide. Being a part of this community allows us access to a vast network and research database on foster care. Currently among the global community, there are major concerns for youth and their development as they become self-sufficient adults. They feel that their notice to leave care is abrupt and that they are unprepared for independence.

British Columbia’s youth are facing a similar challenge. Because MCFD cuts off financial support at 19, many of our youth are left unsupported and moving in and out of homelessness – when statistics show that young adults from stable families live at home until they are in their mid-20s. The financial burden of rent, education, and self-management can be overwhelming. The lack of stability often pushes youth to dangerous extremes.

What is needed is a rethinking of existing government policies, along with the role of communities in supporting youth from care. They need to have as gradual and extended a transition process to adulthood as youth in the general population.

To counter the obstacles our youth aging out of care face, SOS BC has refined its model of care, and has developed a life skills program and intensive housing program that teach and prepare youth for independence.

PROGRAM FUNDING

This program is provided free to youth and is made possible with a grant from RBC Royal Bank and Coast Capital Savings Credit Union. We also thank the Pacific National Exhibition for their gift through the KC’s Kids Ticket Donation Program.