TransitionZ

Formerly known as "Independent Living & Rainbow", these programs have merged to serve nearly three times as many teenagers and young adults ages 17-24 at our new apartment community: Summit Trail. This program will also be serving young adults that have children. These youth and young adults will come from foster care, treatment facilities, detention or homelessness and transition into self-sufficient adulthood. They will live in apartments and receive counseling, vocational and educational training, and life skills development. Each teen must be working or enrolled in appropriate educational programs for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Teens have individualized service plans that outline goals and objectives for independence. Staff works with each teen to accomplish their individual goals. There is special outreach to homeless youth and teens identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.

FACTS:

• National statistics suggest that up to 56% of homeless youth identify as LGBT.
• 70% of our CHRIS Kids teens age-out of foster care and 30% are homeless.
• 86% of youth aging-out of Georgia’s foster care do not complete high school by age 18.
• 89% of CHRIS Kids teens are enrolled in appropriate educational or vocational training
• CHRIS Kids CEO, Kathy Colbenson is on the National Advisory Council for LGBT youth
• There are more than 100,000 homless LGBT youth in the United States

“I am thankful for the clothes on my back, the shoes on my feet, having a place to stay and food to eat. Without CHRIS Kids I would be homeless on the street or hanging with people that are negative. I don’t want to be like my father. He is in jail. I want to make something of my life. I am going to be a veterinarian and help animals." - Jesse, age 19

"My mother asked me to leave the house after I told her I was gay. I was 18 and had no where to go. CHRIS Kids took me in and gave me a roof over my head. They encouraged me to pursue my education and supported me, even when my own family would not. They accepted me unconditionally and that is the type of love every kid should have. It does not matter if you're gay or straight. I am grateful for an organization like CHRIS Kids." -David, age 20