How did you get involved with the Transitional Living Program (TLP) and what did you learn in the program that helped you to transition to adulthood?

I entered foster care at 14. I went from a shelter to different placements within the foster care system and then was adopted at 16, but it was not a good fit. So, I was on my own again at 18 while I was attending college. I got involved with the TLP when I was 19 as I did not have a stable place to go. TLP is run by Foundation 2 (link is external), an organization in Cedar Rapids that offers crisis prevention and intervention programs and runs the Foundation 2 Youth Shelter (link is external). I found out about TLP from someone who was in the program and I applied and got accepted.

As a part of TLP, we met as a group once a week and also had to meet once a week individually with a caseworker. We learned about budgeting, setting up bank accounts, paying off debts, creating a resume, and how to sustain employment. We also learned how to wash clothes, cook, and we did community service together. I am forever grateful to the staff that worked with me while I was in TLP. TLP was a very positive experience for me because it provided me with the skills that I needed to successfully transition to adulthood. I honestly don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for that program.