The national average age for a young adult to completely move out on their own without monthly financial assistance from their parents is 27 years of age. Currently in the state of Texas, we are asking foster youth, who have NOT had the advantage of growing in a stable and loving family to move out at the age of 18 and be completely independent.

PAL is designed to teach young adults ages 16-18 the skills necessary to make it on their own. Some of those skills include getting a job, money management, renting an apartment - understanding a lease, applying for college, seeking financial aid for college and preparing a meal. These are just a few of the skills required for young adults to become independent.

Midland LIFE/Abilene LIFE — PAL Aftercare is designed to work with those same youth during the ages of 18-21. These youth need advice and direction in solving problems and planning out the steps to achieve their goals in life. Many times people forget that someone taught them how to change their oil, get registered for college and carry out the daily tasks of living in an adult world. The LIFE program helps young adults get their first apartment including getting the utilities turned on, acquiring the necessary supplies and groceries and possibly some furniture to help them get started with their new life outside of foster care.