Independent Living Services

Emerging Phoenix is dedicated to empowering youth by equipping them with essential life skills that foster independence, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being, ultimately helping them become confident, healthy adults. Our Life Navigators tutor youth one-on-one with over a hundred hours of lessons from evidence-based curricula designed to educate young people on critical areas such as Money Management, Health Management, Housing Stability, Education Planning, Employment Skills, Transportation Navigation, and access to Community Resources. 

Our comprehensive approach extends beyond basic Activities of Daily Living (ADL) skills like housekeeping, cooking, and personal hygiene, aiming to develop deeper practical knowledge and resilience. For teens over 14, we focus on ensuring they acquire the vital skills and knowledge needed to secure and maintain stable housing, find and sustain employment that provides a livable wage, access economic assistance during financial hardship, and effectively manage their health. We also emphasize building confidence in decision-making, problem-solving, and planning for the future, all of which are crucial for their transition into self-sufficient, responsible adults. Through our tailored support, we help young people overcome barriers, develop independence, and thrive in their communities.  

47% of the 5,000 individuals in foster care are over the age of 13 in Virginia. About 800 of them are over 18 and have volunteered for extended foster care through Foster Futures. On average, 300 young adults leave Virginia's foster care system each year without permanency. Meanwhile, several counties were struggling to have enough Family Support Specialists (FSS) to manage caseloads, with one county noting a 50% staffing shortfall in its budget report. Our expertise in Federal Chafee Law supports LDSS staff by ensuring compliance and providing guidance.