Project LIFE (Living Independently, Focusing on Empowerment) helps youth in Virginia succeed when they age out of foster care. We do that by helping youth directly and by supporting the professionals who work with them. Our free services are available to any youth ages 14-23 who has experienced the foster care system, as well as any DSS or private provider in Virginia.
Text PLIFE to 833.640.1244 to sign up to get PLIFE news.
Upcoming Statewide Events
Final Youth Services 2024 Check-In
Come participate in a 30-minute open discussion with the Youth Services team to hear Independent Living Services updates. Bring your questions. Click on link to join the meeting VDSS Statewide Youth Services Check-ins w/ Project Life. Registration not required. 2nd Tuesdays – December 10, 3:30-4:00pm
Join us!
Upcoming Regional and Hybrid Events
Central Region
December 10, 2024, 10:30- 11:00am All Central region DSS agencies and private providers are invited to attend this ILCC Check-In. This meeting will be conducted to support the development of the agenda for the upcoming ILCC meeting to be held January 14, 1:00pm to 2:00pm on UMFS campus in the Doug Hill Room (Administrative Bldg.# 10). We will discuss independent living needs for youth transitioning out of foster care. This meeting will include resource sharing and opportunities for youth in this region. Contact T. Murphy through email at tmurphy@umfs.org or by phone if you plan on attending or for more information.
Are you looking for an opportunity to give back? Join Project Life for a volunteer event. This year we have 2 dates available: December 7th and 14th. As a volunteer, you will do whatever is needed (sort, pick, pack items) to prepare the gifts for their Christmas delivery. Dress comfortably and come spread some Holiday cheer!
Piedmont Region
Join us on Friday, December 6th at 10am for the Piedmont Region ILCC. This virtual meeting is for all professionals.
Program Updates Week of LIFE Events Recap The Week of LIFE {Love Is For Everyone} was a huge success! Project Life hosted 4 sessions over February 22- February 25. During the week, we provided a variety of content for professionals and youth. Sessions for the week centered on topics such as substance use prevention, human…
Program Updates Project LIFE Welcomes New Staff Member The Project LIFE team is excited to introduce the new Independent Living Consultant for the Western Region of VA: Amber Steffey! Amber joined the team in June and is already planning for summer events in her region.While new to UMFS, Amber has worked with independent living youth…
Program UpdatesRecap: Week of L.I.F.E.Project LIFE’s Week of L.I.F.E. was a huge success! The week was filled with several activities including a LGBTQ+ 101 workshop for professionals, Relationship Red Flags workshop facilitated by Clinical Psychologist Dr. James Stewart and Janet Poles, MSW, The Price is Right: Independent Living Edition facilitated by the Project LIFE team,…
A message from Olivia: There were so many heart-warming situations, and I wanted to share a few that were shared with me. ~A sibling group, who are placed separately, all came to see each other and was joined by their grandmother. ~A youth who keeps a worker at arm’s length had a surprising amount of…
Program Updates Media Ambassadors Project LIFE is seeking applications from youth all over Virginia from youth interested in being a media ambassador. This opportunity will engage youth in future content projects created by the Project LIFE team. Selected youth will work closely with our Youth Development Coordinator to create social media content appealing to young…
Program Updates Currently Hiring For Project LIFE Vacancies We are currently hiring to fill the positions of Independent Living Consultant in the Piedmont and Western Regions. The Piedmont position works out of the UMFS regional center in Lynchburg, VA, and the Western position is fully remote, with travel in the region and with some occasional…