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. The state of Texas is currently asking foster youth to move out at the age of 18 and be entirely independent. Foster youth often have NOT had the advantage of growing up with a stable and loving family, which makes this transition more challenging.

Preparation of Adult Living (PAL) is designed to teach current foster youth aged 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 only a few of the skills required for young adults to become independent.

PAL not only teaches the necessary skills for Independent Living, but youth also attend experiential field trips and listen to experts teach about their field. Some of the many activities include college tours, touring apartments and speaking with landlords, learning financial information from local credit unions, and learning job skills from the local workforce affiliate.

Financial Management

• Budgeting
• Checking Accounts & Envelope Systems
• Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards

Job Readiness

• Resume Writing
• Interviewing Techniques
• Applications

Housing & Transportation

• Touring an Apartment
• Understanding a Lease
• New Vs. Used Vehicles