PATHWAYS- The Right Choice at the Right Time
DO YOU REALLY HAVE WHAT IT TAKES ???
What does Independent Living (ILO) mean to you? If your answer to this question is, "I get my own apartment", you may not be ready for ILO. ILO is an opportunity for you you to learn a set of life skills that will hopefully lead to self-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency is important as you should immediately begin to ask yourself, "What do I need to accomplish over the next 12-24 months that will allow me to be able to take care of myself after my 21st birthday" ? Some youth enjoy the immediate gratification of ILO for 12- 24 months without adequate preparation for emancipation. As a result, these youth face many challenges once they emancipate.
One indicator of self- sufficiency that will help you become truly independent is that of employment. While in the Pathways Program your CSW will work with youth on developing the necessary skills that will lead to obtaining employment. This includes the basics of how to dress when seeking employment, how to keep track of your job search progress, completing a job application, resume preparation, obtaining interview clothing, interviewing skills, and referral to employment programs.
Please remember to ask yourself, "What do I need to accomplish over the next 12-24 months that will allow me to be able to take care of myself after my 21st birthday" ? Please remember that obtaining employment will take time. Don't wait until the day before your 21st birthday to decide that you need a job. Work with your CSW while in the program so that you have all the skills needed to maintain your independence post-emancipation.
***Don't forget to ask a CSW about the Employment Incentive Program.
One indicator of self- sufficiency that will help you become truly independent is that of employment. While in the Pathways Program your CSW will work with youth on developing the necessary skills that will lead to obtaining employment. This includes the basics of how to dress when seeking employment, how to keep track of your job search progress, completing a job application, resume preparation, obtaining interview clothing, interviewing skills, and referral to employment programs.
Please remember to ask yourself, "What do I need to accomplish over the next 12-24 months that will allow me to be able to take care of myself after my 21st birthday" ? Please remember that obtaining employment will take time. Don't wait until the day before your 21st birthday to decide that you need a job. Work with your CSW while in the program so that you have all the skills needed to maintain your independence post-emancipation.
***Don't forget to ask a CSW about the Employment Incentive Program.
