Youth Development

Sophie was a participant in the PLUS 1 program for several years before aging out at age 26, and soon after became a mentor for us. While she was still a participant, we helped her get started at East Central College, where she worked toward a degree in early childhood education. She has continued to work hard on her degree while juggling two jobs, mentoring, and raising her three children.

Recently, Sophie was inducted into the Beta Omicron Phi chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society — an honor that requires students to earn at least a 3.4 GPA in one semester and maintain a 3.2 GPA afterward. We are so proud of Sophie for continuing to push forward in her dreams, for herself and for her children.

Youth Development believes every young person has the potential to flourish. Through meaningful services and education, we guide and equip youth with the tools they need to step confidently into adulthood—knowledgeable, successful, and independent.
Our Programs

For more information about any of these programs, please contact:

Robyn Wolfe

Director of Youth Development

Interested in joining the PLUS 1 program? Reach out to a member of our team below.

PLUS 1

PLUS 1 is a program designed for parents under the age of 22 that helps them build strong, meaningful bonds with their child and develop the skills to be the best parent they can be.

Program Components
  • Home Visits
  • Parenting Education
  • Community Mentor
  • Education Support
  • Baby Bucks and other special activities and events
  • Pregnant or currently parenting
  • Under 22 years old
  • Open to support and connection with other parents
  • Committed to being the best parent you can be
Referral

To make a referral, simply complete this form and email it to our team or drop it off at our office.

DOWNLOAD REFERRAL FORM

PLUS 1 Mentoring

Each PLUS 1 participant is matched with a caring adult mentor who provides emotional support, practical advice, and encouragement every step of the way as they grow into their role as a parent.

Mentor Expectations
  • Spend a minimum of four hours each month connecting with their mentee
  • Make a commitment to the program for at least one year
  • Submit a monthly contact report regarding their communication with their mentee
  • Attend monthly training sessions as often as possible
  • Complete a Mentor Application
  • Complete a PLUS 1 Preference form
  • Pass all required background screenings
  • Provide three references
  • Participate in an interview with the Mentor Coordinator

For more information, please contact

Scott Gehlert

Mentor Recruiter

Resources

Birthright Rolla
PRC of Rolla
Tri-Rivers Family Planning

Thomas has been part of the Chafee Independent Living Program for more than a year. He’s graduating from high school this year and plans to attend Missouri S&T in the fall. Even though his case has officially closed, Thomas chose to remain involved with the Chafee Program because of the valuable resources, guidance, and support it continues to offer him. He has also decided to join the local Youth Advisory Board, where he hopes to give back and help improve the lives of other foster youth.

The Chafee Independent Living Program offers youth ages 14–21 in state custody comprehensive training in essential life skills, along with supportive resources. Through individual or group sessions, participants build the goals and abilities needed to transition into successful, independent adulthood.
Areas of Focus
  • Communication Skills
  • Personal Growth & Development
  • Daily Living Skills
  • Housing
  • Financial/Money Management
  • Self-Care
  • Building Relationships
  • Employment Readiness
  • Education
Eligibility
  • Ages 14–21
  • Resides in the 25th Judicial Circuit — Phelps, Pulaski, Texas, or Maries County, Missouri
  • Currently in state custody; adopted or placed under guardianship after age 16; or aged out of care after age 18
  • Referral made by an Older Youth Specialist and submitted by the assigned Case Worker

For more information, please contact

Jamie Lewis

Chafee Independent Living Program
The Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) focuses on health and education for youth in state care between the ages of 14 and 20. It emphasizes healthy sexual behaviors through abstinence or contraception, and preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. PREP uses the evidence-based curriculum Making Proud Choices.
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