The Extended Family Project

Providing lifetime support to youth in the manner healthy families assist their children.

“With adult children, I have learned that parenting extends beyond when my child turns 18.  Continued support lets young adults know that someone cares about what happens to them.  The Extended Family Project provides support to our alumni who do not have families able to fill this role."

-Don Didier, Executive DirectorThe Extended Family Project was created to aid youth in the transition between graduation from YPA and productive working life.  As our clients often cannot count on a helping hand from their own family members, the program aims to level the playing field by providing financial, logistical, and emotional support wherever it may be needed.

Services of Today

The Extended Family Project currently provides:

• Weekly drop-in hours for former clients seeking advice, support, or contact with other alumni
  
• A Client Emergency Fund to give financial support to alumni in immediate need of help
• Monthly Sunday Dinner events to allow alumni, staff and proctor parents to catch up in an informal setting
  
• A Youth Progress Scholarship available to any youth currently pursuing higher education or training
  
• An Alumni Advisory Panel to provide opportunities for leadership building and insight as we continue to develop and refine our services
  
• A central point of contact for the agency, from simple check-up calls to counsel and direction
  
• Dedicated space on the web for alumni to stay in touch with one another and keep current with upcoming events
  
• A calendar of YPA and community events of interest to alumni
• Continuing treatment in group and one-on-one settings
• A growing alumni food bank stocked with donated food items
• Community enrichment and volunteer opportunities to foster a spirit of service among alumni
  

Opportunities for Tomorrow

As the project expands, we plan to offer:

• A database of employers interested and/or experienced in working with our youth
  
• Centralized career development advice ranging from resume help to mock interviews, and a training center where youth can learn practical vocational skills
  
• A directory of public and private housing opportunities sensitive to our clients' backgrounds
  
• An extensive database of scholarship opportunities
  
• Drug and alcohol support tailored specifically to the youth demographic
• A series of expert speakers to touch on topics such as financial advice and buying a home
  
• Comphrensive continuing education, including in-house and externally sourced art and language classes, and a wellness program