Our Mission:
New Life ~ New Power Consulting & Empowerment Services primary focus and our ultimate goal is the well-being of each of our clients; to empower them to reach their full potential by advocating for their rights and creating opportunities for their personal success. We will ensure that each of our clients has access to the resources and support that they need in order to thrive. Our ultimate goal is to create a society where young people are valued, respected and treated with dignity. Our commitment is to advocate for our clients' rights, needs and personal interests.
Studies show California has more foster youth than any other state, with over 65,000 children and youth in the foster care system. More than 4,000 youth emancipate from California’s foster care system each year. California state regulation often excludes vulnerable youth, such as pregnant girls and those who are mentally ill or impaired, from transitional programs. Approximately 30% of transition-age foster youth experience homelessness. New Life's unique hands-on approach will help to diminish those numbers.
New Life is located in Los Angeles County, city of Pasadena. We are centrally located and are in a reasonable proximity to facilitate access to youth, partners, attend workshops and seminars as we remain updated on all aspects of advocacy, support and empowerment.
New Life’s intake process is developed wherein we work hand in hand with the Department of Children and Family Services. Once a youth has been identified by the case worker as a good candidate for our service, we will meet with the case work and complete a detailed intake and assessment form, review the case file so that we are clear of the history of the child, current status and other relevant information regarding that youth's need(s). Once that has been completed, we will make arrangements to meet with the youth, listen, ask questions, provide information and obtain detailed information from the youth about how we can best help them and prepare an action plan that is attainable and agreeable to all parties. We will remain in contact with the assigned social worker regarding our progress and setbacks until the youth actually ages out of the system. At that point, if desired, we can continue our work directly with the youth.
Basic Needs:
Young people aging out of foster care have many basic needs. During our initial assessment, we help to identify and assist our clients to meet those needs, such as food insecurity, health insurance coverage and monthly budgeting. Other essential needs may include:
- Stable housing
- Access to education
- Access employment and job training
- Positive relationships with trusted adults
- Support to improve life skills
- Support to make informed decisions
- Support to transition into adulthood with a sense of normalcy
- Support to maintain supportive relationships
Other needs may include self-esteem building, individual counseling, self-actualization, and openness to the youth's birth parents.
