helping people and communmities
Programs to help communities

Independent Living (IL) Program

The TREHAB Independent Living Program assists teens who have been or are in foster care, to learn the necessary skills to prepare them for living on their own.

With leadership provided by the University of Pittsburgh Independent Living Project, and funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, Office of Children, Youth and Families, each county must provide IL services. Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties contract with TREHAB to provide these services. For more information connect with the Youth Advisory Board--representing the Independent Living Program across Pennsylvania

Youth, 16 years and older who are or have recently been in Foster Care, receive individualized educational services based on their unique strengths and needs which are identified through a formal assessment process. Most youth receive instruction in some or all of the following eight units:

  • Self Awareness

    Identify personal strengths; social skills; decision-making skill development

  • Daily Living

    Finance; Home Management

  • Education

    Attendance, grades, graduation requirements, and goal setting

  • Healthy Living

    Substance abuse; family planning and sex education; stress management

  • Community Living

    Community service activities; community resources

  • Transportation

    Public and private; drivers license responsibilities; costs of auto ownership; map reading skills

  • Housing

    How to locate and rent an apartment; costs; lease considerations; rights and responsibilities

  • Employment

    Career choices and options; how to seek, obtain, and maintain employment

Educational sessions can be one-on-one with the Independent Living Trainer, or in small group settings. Sometimes the program is integrated into the school day, and other times it can be implemented outside of school time.

The Independent Living Trainer uses a variety of educational techniques including experiential activities and interactive exercises. Youth acquire both hard skills (i.e. how to do laundry) and soft skills (i.e. decision making and communication) through the many lessons.

Although some youth may quickly complete the unit work, all are eligible for the Independent Living Program services until they reach their 21st birthday.

In addition to the educational services, youth participating in the Independent Living Program earn stipends, and are eligible for housing assistance in some situations.

Independent Living Program Staff

Traci Decker, Program Coordinator
Megan Owens, Trainer

FOR MORE INFORMATION, call
570-278-5242 or 1-800-982-4045 ext 5242
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