The Paterson YMCA Aging Out Youth Program focuses on teaching life skills in the following areas:

		Employment:
		Job Seeking Interviewing Skills Filling Out a Job Application Job Maintenance
		Money Management:
		Budgeting Banking
		Community Resources:
		Networking Assist in obtaining vital records
		Communication:
		Assertiveness Skills Verbal/non-verbal Positive vs. negative Conflict management Anger management
		Problem Solving & Decision Making:
		Personal strength and need assessment Appropriate choices and consequences
		Housing:
		Housing options Understanding housing agreements Safety
		Additional Services:
		Individual/group counseling Advocacy Socialization skills Community Referrals Goal Planning Skills level assessment Transportation Home visits Stipends Employment Program

Client Eligibility – The Paterson YMCA Aging Out Youth Program services 22 youth between the ages of 14 ½ to 21, who are referred by DYFS and reside in Passaic County. The Paterson YMCA Aging Out Youth Program maintains an open door policy, which means once a client has graduated from the program, he or she is always welcome to return for help, advice or to share their story.

Through the years this program has worked with many young people and has been very successful in reaching out to them with positive results. Former members have moved on to college, job training programs, are raising children responsibly and most important of all they have achieved independence.

For further Information:

Case Workers - send a referral form to the Resource Specialist of the Passaic County Administration Unit at (973) 977-4480

Foster Parents – Contact your teen's Caseworker or the Aging Out Youth Program Director at (973) 278-8019

Social Agency – Contact Aging Out Youth Program Director at (973) 278-8019 or the Passaic County Resource Specialist at (973) 977-4480

The YMCA Aging Out Youth Program wishes to thank the following for their contributions: