Building Futures
Building Futures has had an extremely positive impact on many youth who need additional support and encouragement to pursue their career paths. Through the help of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and foster care managers, the benefits of this program serve as an additional resource to increase the likelihood of the young person having a positive transition out of the foster care system. We continue to work with youth ages 15-20, even after their transition from foster care.
Our goal is to equip young people with the ability to care for themselves without being dependent upon others. In addition, our goal is to assist youth and young adults with identifying career interests, to develop a career path in a high-demand field and to improve their overall wellbeing. Building Futures serves 20-30 youths per year.
Our services
Our services include career assessments, academic advisement, paid on-the-job training, paid training and placement, professional development, financial literacy, life skills, soft skills, community linkage, academic advisement, workforce development training, and promotion of self-sufficiency skills.
How to get started
Applicants must be referred by a case manager, DCFS or children service organizations. This program is provided with the support of DCFS. Applicants must also reside in St. Clair or Madison County.
For more information about Building Futures, contact Program Director Ora Lockett at (618)874-6380 or olocket@siue.edu.
