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Transitional and Independent Living empowers young adults to successfully transition into adulthood by providing essential life skills that support independent living.

YOUTH ELIGIBILITY

*Only DCFS-referred youth ages 18–21

LIFE SKILLS TAUGHT

Job skills | Career planning | Meal planning | Time management | Financial competence | Finding housing | Apartment upkeep

EMAIL

TSilas-Patterson@lawrencehall.org

PHONE

(773) 619-2018

For the first time in a very long time…I’m okay.

Sevastian

Our Transitional and Independent Living program supports young adults as they move from shelters, residential treatment centers or Foster Care into more independent living environments. Through specialized care, clinical support, skills training, academic assistance and career development, we help them learn to live successfully on their own and build a life they love.

Learning the Ropes

Transitional Living

Serving youth in DCFS care ages 18–21, our Transitional Living program (TLP) helps youth successfully complete high school, gain work experience, and learn life skills that enable them to provide long-term stability for themselves after leaving DCFS care.

Youth in our TLP live in one of our shared residences which are staffed around-the-clock with Lawrence Hall Life Skills Educators. Life skills groups teach budgeting, employment skills, career planning, financial competence, time management, and basic apartment upkeep to prepare them for independent living. Our TLP prepares youth for our Independent Living program or shared housing after they age out of DCFS care.

Our Transitional Living program made history in 2023 with the opening of our shared residence Avers, the state’s first transitional home for LGBTQ+ youth in care.

Spreading their Wings

Independent Living

Our Independent Living program’s goal is to further our 18- to 21-year-old young adults in their education and secure employment in preparation to live independently.

Youth in this program identify their own stable housing or enter shared housing agreements with supportive adults, manage a lease and utilities in their name, and receive Lawrence Hall staff support in furthering their life skills and transitioning to total independence.

*If you are seeking housing support for Chicago-area youth not in DCFS care, please try the following resources:

  • Ignite Community Hub Drop-In: 56 E 47th St, Ste 410-C | (773) 891-2505
  • Ignite Belfort House: 3745 S Indiana Ave | (773) 548-4443
  • Covenant House: 2934 W Lake St | (872) 810-3248
  • La Casa Norte: 3533 W North Ave | (773) 276-4900

EVERY DOLLAR MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Your gift helps build hope-filled futures.

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