Bridging the Gap
Connecting young adults exiting the child welfare system with housing and personalized supportive services that guide them as they transition to adulthood.
As young people transition out of the child welfare system, the majority are unprepared for adult life.
They don't have the support system of a family or social network. As a result, they are more likely to face crime, violence, and poverty – putting them at increased risk for becoming part of Denver's homeless population.
The Hard Truth
23%
of foster youth will graduate high school on-time in Colorado.1
50%
At age 24, only half are employed.2
1/3
have been homeless for at least one night since leaving foster care.2
25%
have run into trouble with the law within two years of leaving foster care.2
1. Colorado Department of Education, 2017
2. Midwest Evaluation of the Adult Functioning of Former Foster Youth: Outcomes at Age 26 (Courtney et al. 2011)
Mile High United Way’s Bridging the Gap program works one-on-one with young people ages 18-24 who have exited the child welfare system.
Independent Living Coaches work with program participants to provide critical housing resources with a 36-month Family Unification Program housing voucher and trauma-informed coaching.
Coaches also help youth pursue employment, access education, learn about financial health, and set wellness goals.
When participants have stable housing in place, youth can focus on other goals like furthering their education and building a strong support system for themselves and their children.
How the Program Works
Stable Housing
Youth are provided with a 36-month Family Unification Program (FUP) housing voucher to start their adult lives in a safe place.
Workforce Development
Through career weeks, mock interviews, job internships and more, participants are given the tools to try to find and keep a job.
Post-Secondary Education
Coaches help youth discover all the options available, and prepare them for success as they pursue their goals.
Financial Stability
Through classes and coaching, we work with youth to establish healthy financial practices that will lead them on a path to sustainability.
Wellness
Youth leaving foster care may have mental health or developmental needs that coaches address by helping youth find supportive community resources.
Community Connections
Coaches help youth set goals and access skill-building opportunities, reviving a sense of hope for the future that many had cast aside.
