A Christmas Wish List for Transitional-Age Youth: What They Really Need

December often brings on a time of reflection and gratitude. It brings days like Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving that helps kick off the giving season, time with family and friends, shorter days and colder nights, gift-giving, and Christmas.

As you gather with your family this month and reflect on your blessings and needs, we invite you to take a minute to reflect on the needs of some of our neighbors right here in our community, particularly Transitional aged Youth in foster care.

Transitional aged Youth are young people typically between the ages of 16-25 in the process of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.

It’s a critical time in a young person’s life, according to the American Psychiatry Association because they experience changes in social roles, family and peer supports, are exposed to substances and experience unfamiliar educational and vocational settings. It’s also a critical period when mental illness can make itself known or worsen, according to APA Position Statement on Transitional Aged Youth (Dec. 2019).

“They can be susceptible to poor outcomes without the proper interventions, but those aging out of foster care are particularly vulnerable because they don’t have the same supports that allow them to be successful living on their own.”  states Ron Veazey, Director of Advancement.

A study on Foster Youth Statistics conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported over 40% of youth who age out of foster care are unemployed, and only 50% graduate high school by age 18.

Further studies show that providing career counseling, job training, and stable housing can reduce unemployment rates among former foster youth by 30%, says Youth Transition Funders Group. 

“They simply need a chance. A chance to break old patterns by being introduced to new ones.”  adds Ron.

Enter Sunnybrook’s Transitional program, which serves youth ages 14-21, which is designed to do just that, prepare transitional aged youth for a life of sustainability and success after they leave the foster care system or their parents.

The majority of Sunnybrook’s residents are in state custody, were previously adopted or come from troubled backgrounds and their needs vary.

Because of this Sunnybrook offers two levels of programming to better capture the goals, abilities and age range of our residents; Transitional Living Program and Supervised Independent Living.

The Transitional Living program typically serves our 14–18-year-old residents who are in high school and are working toward a high school diploma or equivalent. They live with houseparent’s who serve as their primary caregiver. This program focuses on life skill development, financial readiness, acquiring a driver’s license and part-time employment.

The Supervised Independent Living program serves our 18–21-year-old residents who have completed high school or the equivalent. They live with a Resident Assistant who not only supervises but provides support and encouragement to each resident. SIL participants work directly with Sunnybrook administrators to manage their own personal care. The program builds on the Transitional Living Program but places greater emphasis on professional development and financial readiness. Participants are required to work full-time or go to college or trade school full time or a combination of both. Participants focus on managing their personal affairs, maintaining a vehicle and saving money for long-term goals as they work to transition away from Sunnybrook.

“Our mission is to strengthen their overall personal development while in our care and support them as they create and fulfill their own personal plan toward the next step of independence.  Our programs are focused on life’s fundamentals including obtaining a driver’s license, completing the Work Life and Faith and Finance curriculums, securing reliable transportation, stable employment or a full-time education plan, predictable housing and financial stability that includes budgeting and savings.” says Ron.

So, what do our residents need this holiday season?

They need a chance; they need hope, and they need access to one of our programs.

Through intentional educational, professional, personal and financial development programming Sunnybrook helps them prepare for success.

This Christmas season, as you reflect on your blessings, consider giving the gift of hope and opportunity to adolescent youth through Sunnybrook’s life-changing programs. Your support—whether through volunteering, mentoring, donating goods, or making a financial contribution—helps provide these young people with the tools they need to succeed. Every dollar makes a meaningful difference and goes directly toward empowering their journeys to independence.

Even better, the State of Mississippi’s offers a dollar-for-dollar tax credit program.  For every dollar you contribute, you receive the same amount that reduces your State taxes!  Call Ron at 601-540-4253 with any question or assistance.

Join us in making a difference…One Life at a Time! Learn about the many ways to give at sunnybrookms.org, and together, let’s offer these young people the chance they need to shine.