Foundations Asheville, a transitional community for young adults, is expanding their Independent Living programming. They will be adding a new transitional apartment space located on the property of one of their main houses.  “Our entire program is structured to help prepare young adults to live independently and successfully,” says Zac Beyers, Independent Living Program Coordinator. “The addition of the new transitional apartment helps further support the development of independent living skills and provides a space for young adults to practice those skills.”

Once students have demonstrated an ability to maintain a balanced schedule and manage their responsibilities while living in the main houses, the team discusses their readiness to move into the independent living phase. Traditionally, students go directly from the group houses (where a staff member stays on site) into an Independent Living apartment with other Foundations students. Now, students will have the opportunity for an additional transitional step before getting their own apartment. 

Prior to the Independent Living phase, therapists and students work together on a list of readiness milestones that each student should be able to demonstrate. The criteria include things like creating a balanced schedule, demonstrating consistent social engagement, following a healthy meal plan and creating a realistic budget. The criteria provide a good litmus test of where the student is functioning so that the clinical team and Life Skills Instructors can make a well-informed decision on whether the student is ready for the next step.  With the addition of another apartment, therapists can adjust the criteria for students who may be almost ready for living alone but need some additional support. 

Zac Beyers believes the addition will help staff better assess when some students are truly ready to live independently.  “An extra stepping stone is vital for some young adults in the move from the main houses to Independent Living,” Beyers said. “Now with the more transitional apartment, we’ll be able to offer that.”

In the new apartment, students have the opportunity for daily check-ins with their life skills instructors. They continue honing in on their new skills, from grocery shopping on a budget to keep their spaces clean, while having their Life Skills Instructor nearby in the main house if needed. “We can go in there and observe the students exhibiting some of these functional living skills, give feedback, and create some goals to better prepare them for our true Independent Living apartments where there are no staff on-site,” Beyers said. “This makes us all feel more comfortable and sets them up much better for long-term success.”  With more intention and focus given to the transition process, students who need it will be able to progress at their own pace and avoid the setbacks of switching to independent living before they are ready.  

For more information about independent living programming at Foundations Asheville, call (828) 604-6570 or visit https://foundationsasheville.com. 

Foundations Asheville is a program for young adults of all genders ages 18-24 who are struggling to find the motivation to launch into adulthood. Many of their students struggle with anxiety, depression, social skills, and learning difficulties. This program is committed to helping young adults develop and sharpen the skills they need to be successful in the real world. There is a focus on teaching students how to enter the workforce, develop vocational trades, and functional living skills. Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Foundations Asheville gives young adults the opportunity to gain confidence, find their purpose, and learn useful skills that will help them navigate through the adult years.