Supporting Older Youth Stepping into Adulthood
As the days begin to shorten with the onset of fall, many of us start to retreat indoors, savoring the coziness of home and the warmth of family. For others, it can be a season that brings about feelings of loneliness or the start of seasonal depression. Many of the young people in our Older Youth Services program experience these same challenges, especially as they face the uncertainties of adulthood without traditional family support. Whether you find joy in the cooler, shorter days or struggle with them, we felt this was a fitting time to share the story of our Older Youth Services program and highlight the importance of offering real, tangible support to young adults on their journey forward.
For teens transitioning out of foster care, entering adulthood can feel scary and overwhelming. Without the typical support of family, they face unique challenges like finding a stable place to call home. At The Villages, we believe these older youth deserve the same love, stability, and guidance as younger kids. That’s why we’re here to offer them a strong support system filled with encouragement, resources, and practical help.
We know that each young person has their own path, so we’ve tailored our Older Youth Services (OYS) program to meet specific needs, whether it’s supporting young parents, connecting them with healthcare and mental health services, or guiding them through educational opportunities. Our ultimate goal is to empower these young adults with everything they need to thrive as they build their independence.
In 2023, we proudly served 559 older youth between the ages of 16 and 23 across Fort Wayne, Elkhart, Terre Haute, and northwest Indianapolis. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, 87% of them were on track to graduate or had already completed their education, and 68% of those over 18 were employed. These young adults are making strides toward building stable and successful futures.
Our Older Youth Services program offers practical assistance with jobs, housing, and managing finances. We also help with essentials like rent, utilities, and transportation—last year alone, we provided an additional $26,000 raised from private donations to help with these basics. This kind of support gives our young adults the breathing room they need to focus on their goals and start building a life that they can be proud of.
Take Kayla, for example. She’s been part of our program since 2020, facing some pretty tough situations, including financial stress, domestic violence, and finding stable housing for herself and her son, William. Through OYS, she’s learned crucial life skills like budgeting, securing housing, and parenting. Recently, with our support, she made a down payment on an apartment. Now, Kayla and William have a stable home where they can grow and thrive.
Want to make a difference for youth like Kayla? You can help by making a financial contribution. Donate online on The Villages Donation Page. Specify “OYS” in the comments section. Or purchase home essentials directly from our OYS Amazon Wish List. Your support can truly change lives, helping young people step confidently into their future.
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