Independent Living Skills Program (ILP)

Youth & Family ServicesHelping Teens in Relative Care Make a Smoother Transition to Adulthood

Address:               
2625 Zanker Road, Suite 200,
San Jose, CA 95134
Phone:                  
(408) 938-6731
Fax:
(408) 283-6152
Contact:                
Sunny Ochoa, Program Coordinator,
(408) 938-6731, sochoa@ccsj.org

Description and Services:

The Independent Living Skills Program (ILP) is a free program that serves adolescents 15 to 18 years old who are being raised by grandparents or other relatives in Santa Clara County. Youth in “informal” relative care are not eligible to participate in the County ILP classes offered to all foster care youth, yet their needs are often very similar. Teens in relative care greatly benefit from classes that offer basic instruction in life skills. The ILP offers instruction in the following practical life skills areas:

  • Employment applications
  • Interview skills
  • Resume writing
  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Applying to college
  • Student financial aid
  • Managing money
  • Healthy eating, hands-on cooking
  • Physical care
  • Self-care
  • Mental health

Eligibility and Requirements:  Youth between the ages 15 – 18 years of age who are being raised by grandparents or other relatives

Waiting List:  None

Fees:  None

Hours and Availability:  Currently part-time; check with the program coordinator

Geographic Area Served:  City of San Jose

Languages Spoken: English