Our transitional housing program for former foster youth is a two-year transitional living program (24 months maximum) for young adults 18 to 23 who have aged out of the foster-care system.

Services provided include: living skills training; housing, employment and educational services; mentoring; and counseling in a semi-independent environment.

According to the County of Sacramento Department of Human Assistance, approximately 387 foster youth will "age out" of the foster care system this year.

"The results of research about what happens to these youth are alarming," reports the DHA. "Still, teenagers, who comprise more than one-half of those in foster care, will leave the system alone, without family or other positive role models to help them as they transition to adulthood."

Follow-up studies regarding youth who exit the foster care system without any kind of support reveal that within 12 to 18 months of leaving the system:

• 40 percent will suffer serious physical victimization, including sexual assault

• 30 percent will be homeless

• 33 percent will be forced to rely on public assistance.

To download an application, please click here.

Into the woods: Camping trip to Tahoe is an eye-opener

Falling snow, mountain scenery, roasting marshmallows over an open fire, wildlife at arm's reach ... it was a series of adventurous firsts for a group of residents from Volunteers of America's transitional housing program for former foster youth, who recently trekked to South Lake Tahoe's Campground by the Lake for a weekend retreat.

The staff-led expedition, made possible by generous contributions by TechSkills of Sacramento, Sacramento County's Independent Living Program, and Greg and Linda Grant, was a team-building eye-opener for all involved.

"From beginning to end, the camping trip was an incredibly memorable and fun experience," said housing specialist Paul Vong, who organized the trip and acted as one of the three staff escorts. "Regardless of the elements or minor mishaps, there was definitely lots of hiking, eating, story telling, and fun had by all. All of the young adults who participated in the camping trip couldn't stop talking about going on another trip."

"It was super fun," said program resident Nicole Rich.

Program staff are hoping to host another camp-out in August – or possibly a boating excursion.

"We're teaching them how to have fun," said program staffer Dalene Ingraham.