EILEEN & CALLIES PLACE

Every year 500 youth age out of the foster care system in WA. Without a network of support and adequate resources they experience negative outcomes at a much higher rate than their peers. They suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder more frequently than war veterans, and more than half struggle with mental health challenges stemming from trauma. One third will experience homelessness within one year of aging out; 25% will be incarcerated within two years; 63% do not attain a high school diploma; and 71% of young women will become pregnant by the age of 21. They face higher rates of unemployment, criminal conviction, mental illness, substance abuse, public assistance and involvement as parents in the child welfare system.

ECP is unique in our focus on long-term relationships. We aim to provide safe, reliable housing options for young people who have experienced the foster care system, and maximize their opportunities to become more independent. We connect our participants to resources and services in the context of long-term relationships so they feel comfortable reaching out as emergent needs arise. We show up for them in spaces a family member might – attending appointments, hosting celebrations to mark birthdays, and recognizing our participant’s achievements. The participants who live in the ECP residential home will be between the ages of 18-24, but our participants never age out of mentoring; we are always available to them.

ECP works to empower our participants in establishing a “new normal” through self-actualization and pursuing education in a way that is personalized, and walking alongside them until they achieve stability. Our mentoring program is based on the principle of laying a strong foundation to build a trusting relationship. Through that relationship, true hopes and dreams – some buried in self-doubt or shattered by words of discouragement – can be brought to life. Whether it’s a GED, post-secondary degree, or vocational training, education is critical for the lifelong success of our participants.

All current ECP participants have experienced homelessness. One of the key components necessary to help mentees establish independence will come from providing a home – a safe and secure foundation to undergird and stabilize their transition. Housing that is safe and stable can function as a platform that promotes positive outcomes across a range of domains from education to physical and mental health. Young people with stable housing are better able to continue schooling and maintain employment. In alignment with our mission, we are working towards providing safe and secure housing for the young women we serve so that they have the opportunity to become independent and develop the skills needed to maintain a positive and productive lifestyle.

Our goal is that by their 25th birthday, each young woman will be moving into independent, safe and stable housing situations; will be accessing educational programs; will be employed at a living wage; will have therapeutic supports, be familiar with community resources, and will be comfortable seeking out what they need. ECP is committed to a model that incorporates effective strategies for the successful transition to self-sufficiency. Established on three pillars: empowering, educating, and coaching, we build a trusting relationship with each mentee while supporting them in accessing resources and reunifying with family if desired. In supporting them around accessing resources and becoming self-sufficient, we also empower them to understand the factors that will create opportunities and quality of life.