For most young adults, their 18th birthday is a milestone celebrated with newfound freedom, college applications or plans for the future. But for youth in foster care, that birthday can feel more like a cliff’s edge, according to Mindy Williams, President/CEO Whaley Children’s Center. Without family support, financial resources or stable housing, aging out of the foster care system is one of the most vulnerable transitions a young person can face. Recognizing this critical gap, Whaley Children’s Center launched its Independent Living Program – an initiative that provides aging-out foster youth with the guidance, stability and skills they need to succeed on their own.
Whaley’s Independent Living Program provides aging-out foster youth with the guidance, stability and skills they need to succeed on their own.
“This program, long envisioned by the Leadership Team at Whaley, has now become a reality, and the impact is remarkable,” Williams reports. The Independent Living Program consists of two homes, each with six bedrooms, offering a safe, structured environment where young adults can learn the skills necessary to navigate adulthood. The demand for such a program is evident – there is already a waiting list, highlighting the urgent need for expanded resources for aging-out youth.
“Life for foster kids isn’t any different than for non-foster kids,” Williams shares. “They still need guidance, a safety net, and someone to help them as they take their first steps into adulthood. No one turns 18 and instantly knows how to live independently; it’s a process, and they deserve that same opportunity.”
“We have made a lot of progress for this specific population of youth, but we are just getting started!”
Mindy Williams, President/CEO Whaley Children’s Center
The program provides support in areas such as budgeting, job readiness, higher education planning, meal preparation and household management. But beyond the practical skills, it offers something just as crucial: a sense of home. “The youth in this program aren’t just given a place to sleep; they are given a place to grow, make mistakes and learn in a safe environment.”
One of the most heartwarming successes of the Independent Living Program has been the reunion of twin siblings who had spent years apart in separate foster placements. Now, under the same roof, they can rebuild their bond while working toward their individual goals. Their story is a testament to the power of stability, opportunity, and the unwavering commitment of Whaley’s team. “This is exactly the outcome we have been hoping for,” says Missy Taylor, Director of Independent Living. “We want siblings to be together, and watching them thrive while pushing each other to be their best is one of the more rewarding parts of working in this program.”
While the program is still growing, its success is undeniable. Whaley Children’s Center has provided a model of what independent living should look like for foster youth – one that understands that turning 18 doesn’t mean the need for support suddenly vanishes. Instead, it’s the beginning of a new chapter, one where these young adults have the tools and encouragement to build a future of their own. “I have been on the Whaley board for close to a decade and while I am proud of all the work getting done each day, I am most proud of being part of an agency that promotes ongoing care for foster youth. For Whaley kids, this program is a game-changer,” says Board of Directors Chairperson, Nadeem Gebrael.
As the program continues to evolve, Whaley remains dedicated to expanding its reach and ensuring that every foster youth who ages out of the system has a place to turn. Because at Whaley, independence doesn’t mean going it alone – it means having the support needed to truly thrive.
