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 short-term outcomes delineated on this grant are as follows:

• 1) Increase youth awareness of ways to attain/enhance critical life skills -  A total of 148 youth participated common measures data collection on workforce prep. Participants’ perception of workforce preparation increased by 14% between the pre-survey to post-survey. When responding to questions on career planning, the post-test showed a 16% increase in affirmative responses. During interviews and focus groups at the Youth Development Center grant site, 95% of young adults perceived that the adults in their program cared about them. Some participants even stated the relationships they formed through the program with felt like the family they never had. Youth who attend the YES program learn that they can gain life skills and workforce prep skills through program attendance, online videos, job experience, activities, gardening, field trips, etc. The more the youth participate in the program the more aware they are of the opportunities to learn life skills in normal day-to-day interactions and activities. Youth most enjoyed classes that used hands-on activities or videos.
• 2) Increase community awareness of the needs of homeless/unstably housed youth - Through collaborations and training provided by YES program staff, individuals and organizations reported a significant increase in awareness of the needs of homeless and unstably housed youth. Respondents grew in their knowledge of barriers these youth experience. Partners stated that they felt more ready to provide youth with information on resources and other organizations that may be able to assist them, especially in the areas of job training, housing, basic needs, and a stronger support system. Collaborators feel more confident in assisting youth to access resources. The more community members and organizations are aware of the needs of homeless youth and the resources available to these youth, the more likely youth will access and utilize these resources. CYFAR staff are more connected to and engaged in a network of individuals, groups, and organizations that are working to end youth homelessness through education and addressing larger systemic problems that homeless and unstably housed youth face.   Collaborations are essential is solving bigger systemic issues for this population.
• 3) Increase youth aspirations to become self-sufficient - A total of 247 Development Plans were created by youth, outlining their goals and steps toward reaching their goals. There were 97 youth who attended 10 or more life skills sessions. After participation in the program, all youth felt more confident in their ability to become self-sufficient.  YDC participants were asked several additional questions that were related to workforce preparation. Several of the items focused on problem-solving skills, helping others, accepting responsibility for personal actions, etc. The post-survey revealed that on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree), participants agreed that their experience in the program helped them have a more positive outlook on their life with a mean of [4.23].  At the post-test time, youth’s perception of being prepared for the workforce increased 14% from the pre-test. Youth who are given the tools and support to create goals and work toward them become more confident and focused on reaching their self-sufficiency goals. Tools and skills alone are not enough for youth to become self-sufficient.  Access to and engagement with supportive adults is a necessary component for youth to become self-sufficient and these caring relationships help youth believe in their ability to become self-sufficient.