Transition Age Youth Programs serve current and former foster, probation placement, victims of crime, and homeless youth ages 15-24. We provide an array of programs and services including counseling, skills-building, a drop-in. Resource center, and subsidized supportive housing. Our mission is to support and empower youth in making a healthy transition into successful adulthood.

INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM

The Independent Living Program (ILP) assists current and former foster and probation placement youth aged 15-21 to develop independent living skills and achieve personal, educational and vocational goals to successfully transition to self-sufficiency. ILP services include one-on-one counseling, assistance with obtaining ID Cards, driving permits, and licenses, and workshops on topics such as money management, personal health, finding independent housing, and obtaining financial aid for college. We also have a rewards program that offers youth incentives for pursuing their education and participating in extra-curricular activities.

THE THRIVE HIVE: TAY DROP-IN CENTER

TAY Drop-In Center, also known as the Thrive Hive, assists current and former foster, probation placement, victims of crime, and homeless youth ages 15-24r in building the skills, self-esteem, and support system necessary to make a successful transition to independent living in the community. We help youth obtain jobs through groups, registration support for college, enrollment in vocational training, housing navigation support, budgeting skills workshops and encouragement on making healthy decisions and choices for their futures. We facilitate a weekly parenting group to support parents and their children. The Thrive Hive is here to meet the basic needs of homeless youth. The Thrive Hive is equipped with a cozy living room, kitchen, laundry facility, showers, and computer lab. We offer counseling services, food and clothing donations, as well as daily hot meals. Most importantly, the Thrive Hive is a safe place to gain support from peers and case managers. The center is open for drop in visitors M-F 12-6pm, appointments are also available M-F 10am-5pm.

YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD

Want to help end houselessness for youth? We need your voice! Join Our Youth Advisory Board (YAB).

The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is a voluntary advisory board made up of youth and young adults who have experienced homelessness and/or are passionate about resolving homelessness. YAB provides guidance and leadership in decision making and innovative and effective strategies to prevent and end youth and young adult homelessness.

TRANSITIONAL VOUCHER PROGRAM/FAMILY UNIFICATION PROGRAM

The Transitional Voucher Program (TVP)/ Family Unification Program (FUP) is a joint program of Encompass Independent Living Program (ILP), the County of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Housing Authority. Through TVP/FUP, the Housing Authority provides Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to a small number of participants, ages 18-24, in ILP. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher allows ILP participants to secure private housing in the community and receive federal assistance in paying their rent for up to 36 months, with 18 months of case management. To help participants be successful in their new housing and ultimately transition to paying for housing on their own, ILP Coordinators provide counseling, support, and empowerment to TVP/FUP participants in accessing resources and learning new skills.

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PLUS

Transitional Housing Plus (THP Plus) is a supportive housing program that serves former foster and probation youth between the ages of 18-24. THP Plus participants receive assistance securing independent housing in the community and meet regularly with their THP Plus Coordinators to work on independent living goals. Throughout this process, participants receive financial assistance with rent, utilities, food, and educational expenses while also saving money for when they leave the program. They also receive emotional support, life skills coaching, and connections to valuable community resources. Eligible participants have been emancipated from AB12/extended foster care system or an out of home probation placement and have some form of income to maintain housing as program subsidies decrease.

VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT (VOCA) SERVICES

The VOCA program, housed in the Thrive Hive, utilizes federal funding to support eligible youth in Santa Cruz County who identify as victims of, or witness to crime.  "Crime" is broadly defined to include qualifying events ranging from targeted bullying to the aftermath of terrorism.  Those enrolled have access to trauma-informed victim support and survivor benefits, in addition to psychotherapy with an in-house clinician providing virtual and in-person support.  Inquiries and referrals should be addressed to VOCA Services at [email protected] and include the potential client's preferred name and preferred contact information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TAY PROGRAMS, PLEASE CALL (831) 226-3536