The purpose of this grant is to provide life skills programs for homeless and unstably housed youth in Jefferson County, Kentucky. The primary goal is for target youth to increase the number of critical life skills they possess to become more self-sufficient. This project aims to provide life skills education (e.g., workforce prep, communication & conflict resolution) to homeless or unstably housed youth ages 12 to 22 years. Findings for the long-term outcomes delineated on this grant are as follows:

1) Increased number of youth participants demonstrating an application of specified life skills - When homeless youth are given the same opportunities and support as other youth, 100% are successful at applying a chosen life skills, such as acquiring employment, communication skills, completing a GED or high school diploma, and more.  Youth must have their basic needs met first in order for them to be able to absorb and apply life skills. All participants stated they need support from others to help them as they apply life skills. A "web of support" is the most integral piece for applying the life skills they learn. Participants reported whether their experience with the CYFAR program would help improve their situation. Perceptions were measured using survey items on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).  Participants also agreed that through the Shelter House, they learned pertinent life skills that will help them become successful in life and find ways to access useful resources with a mean of [4.23].  Participants reported on the post-test that the program taught them many different relational and workforce soft skills in the program with a mean of [4.17].  In the Youth Development Center, staff have observed 100% of participants were able to put in practice at least one skill they learned during the program. Participants are learning relevant skills and are able to demonstrate usage of these skills when applicable.  Over time staff and partners have observed that 100% of the youth participating in the life skills programs have begun to demonstrate an application of the life skills they are learning. 

2) Target youth exhibiting self-sufficiency as demonstrated through varied means of personal autonomy - At the Youth Development Center site, more than 22 youth gained employment directly through the support of program staff or resources.  Approximately 88% have been able to maintain employment or school attendance for at least 6 months.  During the reporting year, 11 homeless participants gained access to stable housing with the assistance of site staff.  Two youth accepted referrals to a GED program and one obtained their GED.    Eleven participants from the YDC site attended higher education classes. At the end of the reporting period, 35 of the 40 young adults still active at the YDC site were working or attending school. Shelter House participants had a positive outlook, with most indicating that they believed things would get better for them and they could become successful after participating in Shelter House programs and activities with a mean of [4.23].  86% of Shelter House participants we successful in family reunification.  Youth who participate in the program have access to the skills, resources, and supportive adults they need in order to become more self-sufficient. When provided the opportunity and support, youth are able to take the steps needed to support themselves and become more autonomous.

3) Increase in community collaborations and partnerships that offer youth support systems and life skills resources  - As organizations and individuals have learned about the program, they offer to assist in any way possible. This has allowed youth to become aware of more community supports and resources. Through community networking , engagement, and training, over 240 individuals, organizations, and businesses have gained knowledge on how to support youth in crisis, have assisted teaching life skills, or provided resource information. Efforts through the CYFAR project partnership were used to leverage/secure a $2 million grant for the city of Louisville that will support initiatives for homeless youth. The YMCA has seen an increase in the number of active members on the Jefferson County Homeless Youth Coalition. There are now over 50 members on this local coalition.  The Continuum of Care established this board and it has grown to involve dozens of community organizations. The goal is to significantly reduce and eventually eliminate homelessness in our target population. The more collaborations and partnerships that have been developed through this grant, the more youth have become aware of resources they can access and ways to navigate the community. The more individuals and organizations are connected in a community, the more adults can build a web of support for vulnerable youth and address systemic issues.