Independent Living Services

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Independent Living Services

Western Kentucky University's Training Resource Center strives to offer independent living services to youth in out of home care and those who have aged out of the system. These services include information about resources available to youth in care, those transitioning to independence and those who have aged out of care, opportunities for youth to network with their peers and a chance to advocate for foster youth with out of home care staff, foster/adoptive parents and community partners.

These services include four key program areas:  The Voices of the Commonwealth Youth Council, Regional KYRISE events, the annual Youth Empowerment Conference, and the KYRISE Mentor program.

 

Voices of the Commonwealth Youth Leadership Council (VOC)

The VOC is comprised of Kentucky foster care youth and alumni aged 16-23 and is instrumental in communicating to foster/adoptive parents, out of home care staff and community partners the issues and needs of youth in care and those who have aged out of the system. The group also advocates for change to the child welfare system to lead to more positive outcomes for youth in care.

Apply to Join the VOC

 

Krystal Carver-Dickens West Independent Living Coordinator P: 270.943.7124 E: krystal.carverdickens@wku.edu
Christina Mangrum VOC Member, Co-Chair E: christina.mangrum@wku.edu
Andrew Gomez VOC Member E: andres.gomez@wku.edu
Betsy Echeverria VOC Member, Co-Chair E: betsy.echeverria@wku.edu

 

Rising Voices - VOC Newsletter

 

 

Regional Educational Events 

Kentucky Resources for Independence Success and Empowerment (KYRISE) hosts educational regional events for youth in foster care aged 14-21. Information about resources for a successful transition from care to independence is also presented and shared with youth participants by VOC members.

All events are free to youth in foster care and their chaperones.

 

Upcoming Events

• Check back as events are scheduled!

Register for Upcoming Events

 

Annual Youth Empowerment Conference

An annual empowerment conference is hosted for young people in care throughout Kentucky to provide opportunities to network with peers, hear from national and local keynote speakers, participate in engaging workshops that teach life skills or provide helpful information, meet and learn more about community partners and organizations, and have a great time with recreational activities.

The Youth Empowerment Conference is FREE for youth in care aged 16-21 and their caregiver.