ABOUT PROJECT LIFE

LIFE stands for Living Independently,
Focusing on Empowerment.

Project LIFE is a UMFS program, funded by the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Our Mission

Enhance the successful transition of older youth in foster care to adulthood by: a) increasing the capacity of professionals working with youth to engage in sound, evidence-based practices, and b) promoting permanent connections, effective preparation for transition to adulthood, and meaningful youth input into state and local policies and practices.

Our Impact

Our Services

For Youth

Statewide Youth Conferences

Project LIFE offers two statewide youth conferences each year. Both focus on youth leadership development, advocacy, public speaking and permanency. Learn more.

Regional Youth Events

Project LIFE will also work with IL coordinators in each region to plan and implement events that are tailored to regional needs and priorities. Learn more. Learn more.

Advocacy Opportunities

Opportunities for both regular and stand alone chances to use your voice to enact change. Learn more.

IL Transition Planning

A standardized, interactive presentation, approximately 90 minutes in length, designed to help young people. Learn more.

For Professionals and Adults

Orientation to Casey Life Skills Assessment (CLSA) and Transition Planning

This is an initial orientation for LDSS staff and contracted private providers who conduct Independent Living assessments. Request a training.

National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD)

Learn why the survey information is being collected, how to complete the survey as well as strategies for locating and engaging youth in the data collection process. Request a training.

Informational Sessions

Project LIFE IL consultants currently offer informational sessions on a large variety of topics. Request a training.

Regional and Local Support

Project LIFE will continue to provide support to regional IL committees and coalitions, LDSSs, and private providers in providing IL services to youth and strengthening practices in serving older youth. Request a training.

Testimonials

Get Involved

“We did summer programs. We did two days in community service and then a day doing something fun. We cleaned up a garden in Richmond and it was a lot of fun and had a day at Busch Gardens.”
LENA
Former Project LIFE Participant

Setting a Budget

“As soon as I got my paycheck, it would be gone.
I sat down with a Project LIFE staff member,
we came up with a plan so that when I age out,
there will be money left.”
ZACK
Project LIFE Participant

Have a Voice

“If you feel that adults are always telling you what to do, get involved with Project LIFE so you can have a voice in your own future.”
TALIA
Former Project LIFE staff

Be Heard

“We really want to hear what you have to say, while you’ve been in foster care and transitioning out of care, what your successes and challenges are, so we can find out better ways to help you.”
RENEE GARNETT
M.Ed. Virginia Department of Social Services Independent Living Program Specialist

Rewarding

“The reward of working with youth in
Project LIFE is seeing them mold themselves
into the adults they will become.”
GEORGE MACK
Project Manager, Project LIFE