Our program connects young adults to a supportive community that empowers their success.

Approximately 700 youth age out of the foster care system in Georgia each year. Many of these young people are ready and able to succeed as adults, but they need support as they develop the independent living skills to thrive. Our program not only provides young people with stable housing, a crucial part of increasing positive outcomes for young people: our programs provide community. Learn more about our program and join or support our community today! 

What is the YESS (ILP)?

Who is Eligible for the YESS ILP?

The ILP Provides:

The YESS ILP is a 3-phase program that provides housing and life coaching services to foster care youth aged 18-21 in their transition to independent living. 

Young adults who are:

• In foster care in Georgia state, ages 18-21. (Applicants must not be older than 20.5 years of age.), 
• Obtaining their high school diploma or GED within 1 academic year, OR have already earned their diploma or GED, 
• Willing to work and save their money, 
• AND In need of housing, life skills training, and a supportive environment to reach their independent living goals. 

• Housing in Phases 1 & 2
  • 1 Private Bed + Bath in a 2-Bdrm Apartment with a Roommate
• Rent Assistance in Phase 3 for Independent Housing (Ex. Apartment)
• Weekly 1:1 Life Coaching

Structure of the YESS ILP

Tier 1
(4-12 months)

​Tier 2
​(8-10 months)

Tier 3
(Up to 2 years or Until Exit)

Everyone starts on Tier 1 of the program. Youth progress through the tiers as they develop and demonstrate independent living skills, including the ability to maintain a job and save money. (Youth must complete their secondary education to be eligible for tier progression.) ​

In Tier 2 of the program, youth increase their personal responsibility and financial capacity. They also work with their ILP Life Coach and the YESS Housing Team to develop a personal housing plan based on their goals and income. 

Tier 3 begins when the youth moves out of YESS-provided housing and into their own housing (ex. an apartment). YESS provides rental assistance for housing until they age out of care and/or exit the program. ​

The YESS Bridge-Connect ILP Initiative

The YESS Bridge-Connect Program is designed to bridge gaps for the diverse needs of the young adult population exiting foster care in the State of Georgia.  Many young adults in foster care will turn 18 years old prior to obtaining a high school diploma or GED and may require some additional assistance with obtaining the support and stability needed to transition into an independent living placement. YESS Bridge-Connect initiative provides the necessary intensive and individualized supportive bridge placement with specific supports that are tailor-made for the young adult who has not quite met the standards to transition to an ILP placement and need the additional support and structure to transition into an ILP Placement.  

Participants are assigned a Life Coach that will work with them individually to meet their educational and independent living goals. Our focus is to provide a ‘bridge’ of intensive transitional services and ‘connect’ you with the necessary resources to obtain the skills necessary for living independently beyond DFCS/ILP.

Program Services & Benefits

Individualized Supportive Life Coaching
In the YESS ILP, young adults have a personal Life Coach who guides and supports their ILP journey. The role of the Life Coach is to assist the youth identify and achieve their goals. We understand that everyone has different goals. This is why our Life Coaches provide personalized mentorship and guidance relevant to the youth's unique needs, including but not limited to:
​

• GED/HS/Post-Secondary Education Support 
• Employment Coaching
• Obtaining Driver's License Support 
• Document Obtaining Support 
• Financial Savings / Development 
• Community Resource Connection 
• Mental/Behavioral Health Support  
• 24/7 Staff Access 
  
• Apartment Locations are Marta-Accessible in Stone Mountain and College Park
• ...and more! 

Interested in learning more? Contact us! 

ILP Program Manager
Cynthia Cisneros
P: 470-629-1370
​E:​ [email protected]

ILP Intake & Compliance Coordinator
Cierra Norman
P: 470-597-1481
E: [email protected]

Ready to Apply/Refer a Youth?

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