LIVING
Transition Choices
As you transition to independence you will have a very important choice to make. Do you want to be on your own or go into a transition program? It’s your responsibility to be informed and make good choices. Below are some transitions programs:
Stepping Stones, Inc.
It’s My Move
P.O. Box 539
Lavalette, WV 25535
(304) 429-2297
www.itsmymove.org
It’s My Move gives you a chance to try new things without doing it alone. It’s a step by step journey into adulthood with caring people at your side.
- Learn about people and places that can help you.
- Connect with people who can help you think about your future career, get a job and do well at work.
- Step up into your own apartment gradually with a 3-step program that teaches you what you need to know along the way.
- Learn important skills for taking care your home, your life and your world.
- You make your dreams come true by making good choices. It’s My Move gives you the time, support and advice you need to get it right.
Youth Services System
1000 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003
(304) 233-9627
www.youthservicessystem.org
Youth Services System (YSS) Inc. is a West Virginia non-profit organization that has served over 16,000 young people in the last 34 years. YSS began in 1974 to offer new and innovative options to West Virginia’s at-risk youth. We offer a range of services, all aimed at resolving crisis and building skills and social connections for youth.
Burlington United Methodist Family Services Pathways – Transitional Living
RR 3, Box 3122
Keyser, WV 26726
304.252.8508
http://www.bumfs.org/home.htm
Burlington utilizes a holistic team approach to treatment that promotes the mental and spiritual wellness and behavioral stability required for successful community reintegration. Individual programming is offered based on young adults needs.
Daymark
1598 C Washington Street, East
Charleston, WV 25311
304.340.3690
www.daymark.org
The New Connections Independent Living program is for older youth (16-21) who are in the custody of the state, or who are homeless. Five on-site apartments are rented to youth who are working and attending school. Residents maintain their own apartments, but groceries, prepare their own meals, and manage their own money. New Connections staff provides help in setting up the apartment, support, and twenty-four hour a day supervision.
MODIFY
(Mentoring and Oversight for Developing Independence with Foster Youth)
Community Support Services
The program provides support and serves former foster care recipients between 18 to 20 years of age to complement their own efforts toward self-sufficiency and to assure that program participants recognize and accept their personal responsibility for preparing to make the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Project Services
- Independent Living Services
- Transitional Living Services
- Educational Benefits
- Job Preparation
- Community Support Services
Project Eligibility
Youth ages 18-20 exiting the foster care system or who have left foster care and have not yet reached age 21.
You can request services yourself by calling 1-866-720-3605 or 304-558-6067
and also by e-mail modifyced@hsc.wvu.edu
For more information visit www.modify.cedwvu.org
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Foster Care Tuition Waiver
In 2000, the West Virginia Legislature enacted a law called HB-4784. It allows eligible youth in foster care to receive free tuition if attending a West Virginia public college or university.
Who is eligible?
With some limitations, the tuition waiver program is available to ANY youth who:
- graduated from high school or passed the High School Equivalency examination while in the legal custody of the State DHHR;
- was in family foster care or residential care for at least one year immediately before graduation;
- applies for the free tuition within two years of graduating from high school or passing the High School Equivalency exam;
- has been accepted to a West Virginia public college or university;
- applies for other student financial aid, not student loans, following federal financial aid rules, including the Pell Grant.
What is not covered?
Room and board and the cost of books are not covered.
Do you have to apply?
Yes. You must continue to meet academic goals set by the West Virginia college or university you are attending to keep your free tuition.
Where do you apply?
Apply at the financial aid office of the college or university. A letter verifying your eligibility signed by DHHR management will be required. For assistance, contact the MODIFY with CED program at 866-720-3605.
This program is possible because of a partnership between the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Children and Families and the Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
Chafee Education &Training Vouchers
Chafee Education and Training Vouchers for It’s My Move can help with expenses connected to going to a college, university or vocational school.
Who is eligible?
- Youth adopted or finalized legal guardianship from foster care after age 16 years old
- Youth who aged out of foster care thru the age of 20
- Youth placed in legal guardianship
What does it pay for?
- Tuition – college or vocational school
- Room and board
- Books
- Fees
- Supplies
- Transportation
Do you have to apply each year?
Yes. You must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average and complete your course work. Costs are covered until age 23 if you are enrolled and making satisfactory progress at least one semester before your 21st birthday.
Where do you apply?
Interested youth should contact the MODIFY with CED program at:
modifyced@hsc.wvu.edu
(304) 558-6067
or toll free (866) 720-3605.