I became a Transitional Housing Placement Program participant because I wanted to be independent; be my own responsibility.

At 17, most kids are focused on hanging out with their friends while counting the days down until they graduate. However, for many foster youth, this somewhat carefree existence just isn’t a reality.

Meet Daniel, who, on the brink of 17, found himself facing homelessness following his 18th birthday due to being emancipated from the foster care system. Most may not be aware that foster youth “age out of the system” at 18 because that’s the age the state declares them capable of providing for themselves. But who at 18 can pay for their own housing, food and education? Not many. And foster children without family or friends to help them, face having to meet their own basic needs without the resources or the skills necessary to do so. But for teens like Daniel who want a hand up and not a hand out, there is one program on the Central Coast which can make all the difference: the Family Care Network’s Transitional Housing Placement Program (THPP). THPP helps foster youth learn the tools necessary to transition to self-sufficient adulthood. By joining THPP, foster youth choose to take a hopeful step in a positive direction.

When asked why he applied to THPP, a voluntary program, Daniel stated with certainty, “I didn’t want to be a burden on anyone. I wanted to be independent; be my own responsibility.” Being in THPP enabled Daniel to develop an Independent Living Plan which included his goals and how he planned to achieve them. Additionally, his THPP team taught Daniel necessary independent living skills, such as money and time management, and healthy cooking. Because of his determination, Daniel achieved many of his goals quickly, including obtaining a part-time job and developing an education plan which ensured his acceptance into college. Many teens find these two goals difficult, but Daniel showed amazing perseverance and a tenacity that his THPP team found admirable.

In working with Daniel, his THPP team provided him with good, old-fashioned support. They understood that Daniel needed people to validate his goals and keep him motivated and encouraged. When most of us think of our adolescence, we point to our parents as being our life “cheerleaders.” But for Daniel, it was THPP who stepped in to be his cheer squad, providing him with consistent care and open ears. No 17 year old can make it through their confusing and often turbulent teen years without someone to root them on, and Daniel is thankful for having THPP fill this role.

With the help of THPP, Daniel is now looking forward graduating from high school and attending a four-year University this fall with all the optimism and excitement of any 18 year old. And as usual, Daniel’s got a plan—a big plan—to see all, to meet every goal, and to grow into the kind of responsible, self-sufficient adult he’s always wanted to be. Good luck, Daniel!