Take Wing Transitional Living Program

Nestled away behind an IHOP on Midway and conveniently across the street from a Kaiser out-​patient medical office is Take Wing-​a transitional living program for at-​risk youth. Now what all that means is this:
You got a kid on your hands that is making you pull your hair out and you do not know what to do about it-​this is your place!
From the Take Wing website: «Take Wing is a transitional living community specifically designed to break the cycle of homelessness for youth between the ages of 16 and 24 (youth under the age of 18 must be legally emancipated). The goal is to empower these youth and provide them with hope for the future by working side-​by-​side with them to develop their independent living skills. Take Wing is committed to assisting homeless teens, teenage parents, young families, and those „aging out“ of the foster care system to become successfully independent and productive members of society.»
Essentially-​Take Wing helps set young people on a right course for life.
I have toured this facility and it is very nice. Through my Church ministry group, I have also referred many homeless youth here although there currently is a waiting list to get in. I know of a friend whose son tuned incorrigible as a teen-​he was stealing cars and breaking into schools.
She was a single mom and at her wit’s end with this boy. The minute he turned 18, he was escorted into Take Wing and they worked a miracle with him. Once out, he became productive-​going to Jr. College, working part time and staying out of trouble. I have a theory that most kids are good but some just need a little extra help getting there.
The only reason this Unilocal is not 5 Stars is that the program is so limited in size and scope. There is so much need out there and I would wish Take Wing to expand and reach out more to disenfranchised youth.
Even so, Take Wing is a wonderful thing. Look at what they do here:
” * Affordable housing– Community members pay reduced rent and utilities as part of their responsibilities.(Learn how to take care of business)
* Case Management that provides consistent, individualized support to residents. (The kids get a lot of attention)
* Counseling (Yeah-​this is probably the most important!)
* Independent living skills training that focuses on practical and usable skills such as nutrition, parenting, housekeeping, budgeting, and employment education (learn to function in the world at large)
* Eligibility for Section 8 housing vouchers for qualified participants (this can help pay a portion of rental costs)
So you can see, this is much-​needed and more! It pains me to read about foster kids who get kicked out of the program when they’re 18-​left to fend for themselves on the mean streets. I wish every foster kid could graduate into a Take Wing program and learn practical skills and get counseling to set them on the right life path.
I am very lucky that I have a well-​behaved son who doesn’t give me much crap but when we do drive by Take Wing, I always mention to him how someone he knows ended up there and I hope my kid gets the point!