When you transition out of care you’ll need to know valuable life skills like cooking, cleaning, communication, and budgeting. There are several ways to gain skills and grow your abilities, while still being supported by community groups.
It’s normal to feel unprepared or overwhelmed. It’s BIG to age out! It’s important to stay connected to supportive adults and peers while you transition and after you’re on your own.
Some things that could help you transition:
Life skills are everyday skills that all young adults, not just those from government care, need to know as they become more independent. You can work on a lot of them on this very site!
Here are some key life skills:
Some skills can be learned online, but others are best learned when you are faced with them head on!
Volunteer time gives you hands-on experience that looks great on a resume and helps you with communication skills. You’ll be able to connect with mentors and others that share your interests.
Life skills programs can devleop your practical skills like cooking and cleaning. They’re usually face-to-face.
Training programs help you learn skills especially for a job. Some offer paid training, internships, and certification too.
The Agreements with Young Adults Program. You can take a life skills program and receive living expenses and other supports while doing so. Check out our AYA page for more information.
In the Lower Mainland
Aunt Leah’s Essential Skills Program teaches practical skills through workshops. It’s mostly for youth under 19, but all are welcome.
SOS BC Transitions to Adulthood provides one-to-one support for young adults under 25, with a focus on life skills, training, and leadership.
The YWCA Strive Program helps former youth in care under 25 build life and job skills.
All over BC
BladeRunners helps youth and young adults around BC gain life skills, job training and certification.
Get Youth Working includes about a month of classroom training and another month of on-the-job training. There are locations around BC.
BC 2-1-1 is a great way to find programs in your area. Use these search words:
Insider Tip
If you live in the Lower Mainland, you can text 2-1-1 every afternoon between 3:30 – 11pm. Get up-to-date resources sent to your phone.
