LIFT PROGRAMLIVING INDEPENDENTLY FOR TOMORROW

LIFT is a program of Residential Youth Services (RYS) & is an affiliate of CRi.LIFT is made possible in part by Fairfax County’s Consolidated Community Fund Pool. CRi is a Virginia nonprofit corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

JOSHUA'S STORYJoshua was homeless & trying to complete high school when he was referred to the LIFT program. He was having difficulty concentrating in class & his attitude & attendance suffered. After entering LIFT, Joshua's school reported a marked improvement in attendance, attention span, attitude—& ultimately grades. Joshua even secured a part-time job. His school counselor credited LIFT’s stable housing, counseling, & other supportive services for Joshua's marked improvements. LIFT fostered Joshua’s confidence & determination. After LIFT graduation, Joshua transitioned into permanent housing & connected with a supportive community. He has since earned his Associates Degree & continues to maintain his own housing while living a fulfilling life.

LIFT Program, c/o CRi14160 Newbrook DriveChantilly, Virginia 20151

Hans WamplerLIFT Program DirectorDirect: (804) 350-9675 Office: (703) 842-2301Email:  hwampler@MyCRi.orgWebsite:  www.MyCRi.org

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ABOUT THE LIFT PROGRAMLIFT (Living Independently for Tomorrow) provides transitional housing to youth who are homeless, have no permanent residence, or who are aging out of foster care. In neighborhood apartments, LIFT helps young adults gain emotional strength, learn new skills, & receive the support necessary to become self-reliant adults. In exchange, each youth is responsible for at least 40 hours of weekly productivity through school attendance & employment. Through LIFT, youth participate in therapy & case management, follow-through with goals & assignments, & contribute a pro-rated monthly rent payment. Each individual is assigned a case worker to assist with goal implementation & other skill building. If the individual would like to seek therapy, case workers will assist them in this effort. Over the course of 18-24 months youth learn to access the natural supports the community has to offer, become more independent, & are prepared to live more fulfilling lives as contributing members of their community.

WHAT DOES LIFT DO?

The CRi LIFT 1 Program provides outreach, transitional living, & support services to help homeless youth who are residents of Fairfax County, ages 17-21. LIFT 1 focuses on providing: Subsidized apartments that provide stable housing to homeless youth, viable vocational/career skills training, life skills preparation, & support services, including: shelter, food, clothing, medical assistance, crisis intervention, counseling, referrals, & aftercare services.

The LIFT 2 Program provides apartment-based Independent Living & Support Services to help foster care youth, ages 17-21, transition from residential care to independent living. Youth receive housing, vocational & educational services, life skills training, therapeutic services (counseling, therapy and/or substance abuse education), & the development of a network of support services in the community. The CRi LIFT 2 project is licensed for 25-beds for males & females transitioning from the foster care system to independent living in the community.

FOR HOMELESS YOUTH

FOR YOUTH AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE

I would not be able to hold down a job for almost three years if it were not for LIFT. I am 22 years-old now & I work full-time at Georgetown Hospital. I’ve received three

pay raises since I’ve been here & I have another one coming up. I have my own

desk & I feel proud about my accomplishments. I would absolutely recommend the program to others.

—LIFT Graduate

MyCRi.org