The Transitions program offers current and former foster youth, 15-24 years of age, a combination of group instruction and interaction and individualized case management services to help in the areas of

• Life Planning, Coaching, and Guidance
• Education and Employment Support
• Communication and Relationship Building

"Pathways to Independence" is a 13-week series of workshops designed to lay the groundwork for a youth's successful transition to independent living. The curriculum incorporates a transition framework based on William Bridges' book, Managing Transitions which defines "transition" as the emotional process that people experience when they come to terms with change. At the Transitions Program we believe that one vital factor in creating successful change is recognizing and addressing the emotional and psychological effects of the change process.

For youth who leave the foster care system upon turning 18, independent living can be difficult. Many of these young adults face life on their own without the basic survival tools. Not only do they lack family involvement to ease the transition, many also leave the system with few resources or support.

Approximately 400 youth "age-out" of foster care each year in Washington state. According to the Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study and the Office of Children's Administrative Research (Washington State), within one year of exiting foster care, approximately:

• 22.2% of youth have experienced homelessness
• only 50% of youth completed high school or obtained their GED
• less than 50% were employed and of those who were employed, 47% were making wages at or below the poverty line
• 30% were enrolled in at least one public assistance program

is the Transitions Program Coordinator. She is thrilled to be a part of a program that is constantly growing, adapting to change and meeting the needs of current and former foster youth in our community. Chelsea grew up all over the US and received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Before Transitions, Chelsea worked as a Housing Specialist at Outside In, a local nonprofit in downtown Portland that helps individuals to overcome the challenges they face with homelessness. She also worked at the Perry Center for Children assisting youth with behavioral issues learn effective coping strategies. Before moving to Portland, Chelsea served as an active team member for many programs on the East Coast including Upward Bound in New York City and America Reads in Maine. Chelsea is a part of the Transitions team because of her passion to inspire youth to accomplish their goals. Whether you want to go to school, move in to your very first apartment or learn how to communicate with important people in your life, Chelsea is here to help. In her free time, Chelsea loves to camp, attend Seattle Seahawks game, travel to unknown destinations, practice yoga, scrapbook or cook.

is the new addition to our Transitions program here at Innovative Services NW.  As the Transitions Facilitator, Jon will be able to help guide and assist many of you with your goals in school, housing, employment and beyond.  Jon received his Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Western Oregon University; his focus was on Health and Social Services.  Before Transitions, Jon worked for a variety of agencies that focused around youth in the community.  Jon worked with the YMCA in Portland, running a before and after school program for a public elementary school; Vermont Hills Family Life Center, where he ran an after school program and was the lead counselor for their summer camps; and Vancouver Parks and Recreation, where he worked independently with young children with developmental disabilities.  Jon has been with Innovative Services NW for over a year working with youth from the Respite and Case Aid Programs, and with families in the Supervised Visitation Program.  Jon’s passion for youth began when he was in high school and helped form the inaugural after-school team at the local elementary school.  Jon also served as a mentor to several students and has volunteered time coaching a little league baseball team.  Jon spends his weekends playing left field for the Portland Pirates, a local fast pitch softball team, playing golf with friends and family, and collecting rare baseball cards. 

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