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Independent Living Opportunities (ILO) programs help
young people ages 17 to 21 make the transition to adulthood.
Caseworkers are available for guidance
and support, but the ultimate goal of these programs
is independence. Participants are employed and attend
high school or junior college, or are working on obtaining
their GED.
Transitional
and Independent Living Programs
- Supervised Independent Living:
Teaches young adults between the ages of 17 1/2 and
21 independent living skills while living in the community.
Males and females who are DCFS wards or DOC clients
are eligible.
- Transitional Living House (TLP):
Boarding house environment with adult supervision
serving males between the ages of 17 and 21 who are
DCFS wards or DOC clients.
- Pregnant and Parenting Teens Program:
Independent living services for single mothers between
the ages of 17 1/2 and 21 and their children. DCFS
wards or DOC clients are eligible.
Program Services
- Counseling Services: Provided by
Cunningham staff members who are clinically trained,
master's level therapists under the supervision of
licensed mental health professionals.
- Independent Living Skills Training and Housing
Assistance: Cunningham staff teach independent
living skills including cooking, housekeeping, laundry,
hygiene, money management, social skills, sexual education,
tenancy issues and basic legal skills. Cunningham
helps locate and maintain housing and may provide
monthly assistance to assist with rent, utilities
and some necessities.
- Employment and Educational Assistance: Cunningham
staff help program participants locate and maintain
employment. Program participants also receive educational
support to help them complete high school or obtain
a GED, and attend college or receive vocational training.
- Medical, Dental and Mental Health Care and
Recreational Opportunities: Accessed through
community resources with the assistance of Cunningham
Children's Home staff. A Cunningham staff nurse gives
guidance in health and safety issues.
- Parenting skills and support: Participants
in the Pregnant and Parenting Teen (PPT) Program receive
guidance in locating licensed day care within the
community to care for their child(ren) while the mother
is at work or attends school. Parenting skills are
developed through education and training provided
by Cunningham staff. Other ILO clients who are non-custodial
parents are supported by counselors and case workers
to maintain a positive parenting relationship with
their child(ren).
For intake and admissions information, click
here. |
