‘I could not have done it on my own,’ young man says of RCS in Ukiah and foster families
“My whole life resulted into a positive outcome. Even though there were rough patches (no matter how big or small) it made me the person who I am today. I could have not done it on my own.”
This is Justin, age 22, who is a young adult in Stepping Stones, a Transitional Housing Program since he was 18. Redwood Community Services (RCS) Stepping Stones Transitional Housing program serves youth ages 16-plus by providing independent living skills to prepare them for adulthood. Prior to turning 18, Justin lived in group residential care and has been in foster care since age 12.
Thankfully Justin had role models he’s looked up to, and who are lifelong positive relationships, who desired to make a difference in his life. Justin is also thankful he had RCS staff as mentors and his former foster parents as supportive relationships.
Justin is grateful for his foster mom who had one of the biggest impacts on him and still does to this day and credits her in helping him become calmer, more understanding and taught him many of his life skills. “To me, she is the best mother anyone could have. She’s understanding, strong, and always there for advice, (and lots of it too). “
Justin also credits another foster home he was in, where a foster parent taught him how to roller skate. “I’m very passionate about it and I would skate everyday if I got the chance to. Many other mentors have helped me get through my anger issues, develop respect for myself and others and provided the tools I need and still use to this day.”
Redwood Community Services has been providing transitional housing services to youth ages 16-plus since 1997. Today, RCS has expanded our transitional housing programs to include THP-Plus, THP+ Foster Care and TAY Wellness, programs that allow youth who were in foster care on their 18th birthday to live on their own and receive support services as long as they meet eligibility requirements and participate in the programs’ expectations.
TAY (Transition Age Youth) Wellness youth are eligible by having full-service partnerships with Mendocino County. Youth are eligible to participate in this program until age 24; it partners with Behavioral Health Services to offer therapeutic support and assist with learning to work with youth and develop independent living skills.
Today Justin is living in Ukiah, going to school and continues to explore appropriate employment for his blossoming skills. Justin has been successful in his program and credits his mentors and foster parents who have made a huge impact on guiding him through his youth. When not going to school, Justin spends time at the Arbor Youth Resource Center located at 810 N. State St. in Ukiah. The Arbor Youth Resource Center is available for any youth ages 15 to 24 and designed to assist our community youth with support and the tools necessary as they transition into adulthood. Youth have access to tools such as education support, employment workshops and other resource services that promote opportunities and engage youth to develop skills necessary to succeed as citizens of our community.
