Finding Home: Transforming Young Lives
Annie didn’t expect to be living out of her car during her senior year of high school. Yet, there she was, every night, curling up in the back seat of her 1998 Honda Civic, parked at a different lot to avoid suspicion. She was alone, her possessions crammed into plastic bags, her future uncertain. The school district noticed her frequent absences and slipping grades, prompting a call to the Youth Service Bureau (YSB) of Centre County.
When YSB’s Youth Advocates met Annie, she confirmed the harsh reality: she was homeless and falling behind in school, with little hope of graduating. Situations like hers are exactly why Centre Foundation awarded a Field-of-Interest grant, funded by the Ed & Charlene Friedman Family Fund, to YSB’s Independent Living program. This funding has helped strengthen the program to provide teens in crisis with crucial support and a clear path forward.
Annie’s move into safe, stable housing marked the start of a transformative journey. In those first critical days, YSB ensured Annie’s basic needs were met. They took her grocery shopping for healthy foods, provided new clothing, school supplies, and hygiene items. Freed from the anxiety of survival, Annie could finally focus on her education. The Independent Living program advocated on her behalf at school, securing extensions on assignments to compensate for her challenging circumstances. With the program’s support, Annie caught up with her coursework within a month, and her path to graduation was back on track.
But Annie’s journey didn’t end with academics. She found part-time employment and, within three months, climbed to a managerial position. The stability and support from YSB allowed her to thrive. By the end of the year, Annie had earned her high school diploma and saved over $2,500. With these savings, and assistance from YSB and other housing programs in Centre County, she secured her own apartment.
Annie’s story is a testament to the impact of YSB’s Independent Living program. Originally inspired by the increasing number of youths aging out of foster care, the 18-month-long program evolved to address the needs of runaway and homeless youth and those facing similar hardships. Today, it offers three distinct services: the Runaway and Homeless Youth Independent Living for those aged 18-21, Supervised Independent Living for Youth in CYS or probation care aged 17-21, and the Burrowes Street Youth Haven, a shelter for homeless youth aged 12-17.
Abby, a 19-year-old who has been in the Independent Living Program for about a year and a half, shared her perspective regarding her participation in the program: “As an older resident, we really help the younger kids here because they look up to us. We contribute to the culture by setting a good example—if we do what we need to do and follow the rules, they will too. It’s our responsibility to be role models for them.”
Workshops and activities create a sense of community among the residents and further bolster life skills and emotional resilience. They cover practical skills like cooking and financial literacy, empowering youth to navigate adulthood with confidence. Another recent grant from Centre PACT (Philanthropic Actions Created by Teens), Centre Foundation’s hands-on, student-driven philanthropy program, provided funding for youth to attend Stone Valley’s Ropes Course. During the ropes course, youth learned to face fears and rely on peers. These experiences build not only team spirit but also imparted crucial lessons in perseverance and seeking support.
Creating a sense of home, inclusion, and safety is at the heart of the Independent Living program. Gabby, an 18-year-old resident who has been at the housing facility for just a few months, found herself in need of support when she needed to leave an unsafe environment. Gabby made the difficult decision to leave her birth family to build a life for herself, pursuing a career as a certified nursing assistant.
She wasn’t quite ready to navigate life on her own, but at Independent Living, she found more than just a roof over her head—she found a second family. Surrounded by staff and fellow residents who have embraced her as one of their own, Gabby is learning to manage her finances and build the skills she’ll need to soon step into her own apartment, ready for the future she’s determined to create.
YSB’s Youth Advocates leverage their diverse expertise in medical care, trauma-informed practices, and independent living skills to address the unique needs of every youth in the program. With deep knowledge of Centre County resources, they provide tailored support that makes a real difference. Julie, one of the participants, shares, “I’m thankful for the program’s support in helping me work through my trauma and feel comfortable talking to new people.”
Youth Advocates guide youth in setting and achieving their goals through Individual Service Plans. These plans are customized to help participants pursue both immediate and long-term aspirations. Weekly meetings address specific needs, from opening a bank account to job hunting, or simply offering emotional support during challenging times.
The program’s success is amplified by its youth-driven approach. Participants are encouraged to voice their interests, shaping the content of workshops and activities. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and motivation, leading to more engaged and receptive learning.
Community partnerships further enhance the program’s effectiveness. Local businesses and organizations contribute significantly, from birthday celebrations arranged by the Venture Club to health workshops led by Penn State’s College of Medicine. Truist Bank donated a suite for a Penn State football game that allowed older youth to experience an event many had only dreamed of.
Mikayla Koudela, Director of Residential Placement Services at YSB, reflects on how far Annie has come since those uncertain nights spent in her car. From the moment she walked through the doors of the Youth Services Bureau, she began to build a new life—one that was filled with hope, opportunity, and a sense of belonging. Mikayla happily announces, “Now 22, Annie remains connected to YSB, sharing life updates, seeking advice, and celebrating milestones. Her journey from homelessness to independence illustrates the profound impact of the YSB’s Independent Living Program.” Annie’s success story and countless others, underscores the essential role of programs like this in transforming young lives in crisis, one step at a time.
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