PROMISE, INC.
NEW BEGINNINGS
Department of Justice & Aged-Out Foster Care
Path to Independence (Young Adults)
New Beginnings is a supportive transitional program dedicated to fostering responsibility and providing a fresh start for young adults, particularly those aging out of the foster care system or those recently released from the Department of Justice (DOJ) system. Our structure is designed to instill accountability and provide the tools necessary for long-term self-sufficiency.
The enrollment process ensures we meet the complex needs of this population. Following an initial contact, a detailed social and legal history assessment is conducted, focusing on educational status, employment gaps, and probation/parole requirements. Once accepted, the resident signs a comprehensive Responsibility Contract and moves into their safe, supervised transitional house (Pillar 1), establishing immediate stability and structure.
The core residential phase is built around intensive Case Management (CM), where the CM acts as a mentor and accountability partner. They guide the resident through a co-developed Individual Success Plan (ISP) focused on practical, actionable steps toward independence:
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Practical Life Skills (Pillar 2): Mandatory, accredited workshops emphasize crucial survival skills often missed during instability. This includes financial management, credit repair/building, navigating social services (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.), lease adherence, and advanced home maintenance.
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Education and Vocational Readiness (Pillar 3): The CM ensures immediate enrollment in a high school equivalency program (if needed), technical certification course, or college application process. This is coupled with hands-on Supervised Transitional Work Experience opportunities to build a stable employment history and a professional network.
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Accountability and Community (Pillar 4): This pillar focuses on behavioral health, legal compliance, and social reintegration. Residents participate in regular group sessions on conflict resolution and healthy relationship development. For DOJ-involved youth, strict adherence to all legal mandates and probation reporting is paramount, and the CM maintains a close, collaborative relationship with the judicial system and parole officers.
The final phase, Transition to Self-Sufficiency (Pillar 5), begins 90 days prior to exit. The focus is on securing permanent, independent housing (such as subsidized apartments or shared living) and financial readiness. The CM assists in navigating public housing applications and ensuring the resident has completed all required educational/vocational milestones.
Upon successful transition, the resident enters the Aftercare Mentorship Program, receiving check-ins and continued guidance from their CM for up to one year. New Beginnings delivers a complete, accountable path, ensuring every young adult has the skills, education, and stability to embrace their future, free from supervision and fully independent.