Audio Article: Helping Youth Become Self-Sufficient

Self-sufficiency is the ultimate goal for any young person who is living on the street. So how can youth workers help youth take that final step into gainful employment, stable housing or financial security?

NCFY asked six experts: What are the biggest obstacles to helping youth become self-sufficient, and how do you overcome them?

Read the transcript or listen to their responses:

"Helping them get to an emotional point, where they can live on their own."

Brian Nickodemus is a youth leader with Project Everlast in Scottsbluff, NE.

"The lack of affordable housing... If they can't afford to live in our state, we haven't served them properly."

Lisa Driscoll is the independent living coordinator for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families.

"The lack of high quality education [...] they miss a lot of foundational skills that they really can't regain."

Victor Rose is a site monitor for Ali Forney Youth Center in New York.

"One of the big obstacles is employment."

Marilyn Lanphier is the state project director for youth and family services in El Reno, OK.

"If you get to know the youth as they're growing up, it's easier for them to listen to what you have to say."

Damien Domingues is a youth worker for the Project SOS transitional living program in Gering, NE.

"Getting them the Medicaid they need when they age out of our system."

Sharon Sprecher is the social case worker with the Family and Children's Unit in the Boulder County Department of Housing and Human Services.