TRANSFORMING YOUTHS INTO ADULTS

FOSTER CARE SUPPORT TO TRANSFORM YOUNG LIVES IN BALTIMORE

Founded in 2019 in Baltimore, MD, T.Y.I.A. is on a mission to assist foster youth by providing them with the tools and support they need to transform into confident and independent adults.

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Welcome to the Site!

TYIA is a 501(c)(3) organization specializing in youth foster care support. Our goal is to help our most vulnerable youth transition into society as independent adults. Founded by owner and Executive Director Kareen Hill in 2019, we provide a wide range of community integration services for youth aged 18-24 throughout Maryland. In addition, Director Hill, a MSW graduate, is the proud owner of a Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program, and TYIA's youth and young adults will also have access to PRP services while participating in our non-profit programs.

Independent Living (IL) and After Youth Services

Our Independent Living Services and our four-stage After Youth Program both help foster care youth to access and retain independent, stable housing. In these youth-driven programs, our highly qualified professionals train participants in the creation of practical living plans with the goal of attaining economic independence and self-sufficiency. We provide short and long term assistance, helping not only with direct foster care support and housing but also with longer term skills training and upward mobility. This is an essential basis for effective mental healthcare and allows participants to focus on successfully transitioning into adult society without the stress and anxiety caused by an unstable housing situation.

Safe Spaces and Housing For LGBTQ Youth

Our Safe Spaces program provides dedicated apartment spaces for LGBTQ youth in foster care, as an extension to our Independent Living (IL) services. LGBTQ young people face a unique set of challenges and, unfortunately, are statistically more likely to enter the foster care system. At TYIA, we are proud to say that we represent a safe space - a place to feel not only accepted but actively welcome. Our staff are trained in partnership with the RISE program, allowing them to provide high-quality support in issues specific to LGBTQ youth in foster care.

Foster Youth Training

We provide dedicated classes on a monthly/bi-weekly basis. Executive Director Kareen Hill and other highly qualified experts train participants in a variety of essential life skills, including job preparation, time management, stress reduction, coping skills, ethics, and self-concept. Training sessions are planned around the specific needs of participants and take a therapeutic, educational approach to guiding foster care youth in the difficult transition into adulthood.