Chapter 13 - Making the Transition to Community

section:

---

Making the transition from living at Eva’s Phoenix to the community is a crucial step, and staff try to make sure that the youth are well-prepared and supported in three main areas – housing, employment/education, and peer/peer support.

They receive support in finding permanent, affordable housing in the community. The best opportunity for finding housing is in some kind of shared accommodation, so the youth are well prepared for that by their experience at Eva’s Phoenix.

Before they leave Eva’s Phoenix, they will have developed a plan to identify the next steps in their employment or education. If they choose to go back to school, or into a training program, they will have received assistance in registering for a program and finding transcripts or other documentation that may be required. If they choose to look for a job, they will have had several months of employment experience to build on through Eva’s employment program, as well as a reference from an employer. In the case of the Print Shop, youth will come out of the program with a good background that would prepare them for an entry-level position in the printing industry.

With respect to counselling and personal support, Eva’s Phoenix continues to open its doors to the youth even after they have left the formal program. Eva’s programs provide mentorship, an important aspect of the ongoing support available to the youth.