Alyssa Perry
Former Foster Youth Benefits from Transitional Housing Placement Plus Program
All her life, Alyssa Perry tried very hard to make a better life for herself. As an emancipated foster youth, she had beaten the odds by graduating from high school and attending college. Although she was a full time student, she was working two jobs to supplement her financial aide. Alyssa was struggling and had, “no idea how to take the next step.” She didn’t know how to write a resume, apply for an apartment or budget her finances. Her full time school schedule and long work hours were also starting to affect her health and she was constantly sick. She knew she wanted to find a better paying job, but did not know how and was afraid of what would happen to her financial aid, housing and finances if she quit.
When Alyssa heard about a social services meeting for former foster youth, she decided to attend. It was there that she learned that as an emancipated foster youth, she was eligible for EHC LifeBuilders’ Transitional Housing Placement Plus program (THP-Plus). THP-Plus provides scattered-site housing, case management with supportive services and financial assistance to youth ages 18 to 24 that have aged out of the foster care system. Youth are eligible for 24 months of support in order to reach educational and career goals and develop independent living skills. Alyssa was very motivated by the program and quickly began working on her goals.
Alyssa’s goals upon entering the program were to finish her bachelor’s degree, get a higher paying job and learn how to manage her money wisely. She attended school during the summer, and with the help of the THP-Plus program staff, she learned how to create an individualized budget. Once she learned the value of her income and where to allocate funds each month, Alyssa was able to cut back on her spending and save for the first time.
In addition to managing her finances, Alyssa also learned how to write a resume and was quickly able to find a better paying job. This finally allowed Allyssa to quit her two other jobs and focus on her studies. By the time Alyssa completed EHC LifeBuilders’ THP-Plus program, she received a bachelor’s degree, learned to pay her bills on time without overspending and obtained a full time job as a technology sales liaison. Today, Alyssa is happy, financially stable and healthy for the first time in years.