Preparing Youth for Adulthood

Preparing Youth for Adulthood

Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA)

Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA) Program is designed to prepare our young people in our foster care programs, ages 14 to 20, for the transition from foster care to self-sufficiency.

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Beginning in 1989, the PYA program now celebrates well over 30 years of helping children in foster care define their path.

Specialized activities in this program include:

  • Educational workshops on a variety of skill-building topics including budgeting/finance and relationships
  • Tutoring and SAT prep sessions
  • Weekend life-skill retreats
  • Exploring vocational and career interests and opportunities

Through this program, we offer vital support to empower our youth to be confident and self–sufficient individuals as they enter adulthood.

Whether they would like to explore higher education or pursue vocational training, our dedicated staff identifies each individual’s unique talents and sets them on a path to achieve their goals. CMCS provides ongoing support for our young adults even after they have aged out of the foster care system. Our PYA Program remains a cornerstone component of our programming offered for children in foster care, supported by our belief that empowerment, education and employment are the key components to a successful life.

In addition, CMCS has established an alumnae group which has become a trusted and valuable resource to our agency. This group of former youth in foster care have gone on to be successful adults within the community and have become mentors for the current children and youth of CMCS

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For more information, please email us at fostercare@cmcs.org.