Friday, April 13, 2012

TRAC--touching, healing, providing hope to young adults!

One of CitySquare's "signature" initiatives involves our work at the Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC).  This one-stop shop of services, training and opportunity focuses all its attention on youth who "age out" of the custodial care system (otherwise known as the foster care system) in the state of Texas.  What follows is a report on this important part of our work in the city and region. 

TRAC works with these special youth in the 19-county, CPS Northeast Texas region that includes Montague, Wise, Denton, Collin, Tarrant, Dallas, Rockwall, Kaufman, and Navarro counties.
Facts about this population:

25% experience Homelessness before age 22

Within 12-18 months of leaving care. . .
-33% will be on some form of public assistance
-40% will not have completed high school
-50% will be unemployed

Within 18 months of leaving care. . . 
-60% of young ladies will have a child outside of marriage
-70% of youth leaving foster care report a desire to attend college
-Less than 3% actually obtain a college degree

In Texas, the average youth emancipating from CPS. . .
-Was removed from their family at age 11-15
-Had 8 placements
- Had 5 CPS workers
-Spent 5 years in care

TRAC helps young adults by providing             
             Preparation for “Adult Living” Classes
             Money Management
             “Ready to Rent”
             College Visits
             Employment Soft Skills
             Workforce Services
             Skill building
             Assessment
             Resume help
             Education advocacy
             Job referral & coaching
             Job skills training
             Job placement with partner businesses
             Housing Services and Homeless Prevention
             Emergency Assistance
             Emergency Shelter
             Transitional Housing
             Permanent Supportive Housing

Major funding sources for TRAC

• Texas Child Protective Services

• Texas Workforce Commission

• HUD

• United Way, Foundations, and Individuals

For more insight and information click here!  And take a moment to watch the video that follows.

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