keys to success

As the only program of its kind in Arizona, Keys to Success addresses the unique needs and challenges facing youth transitioning from foster care.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Keys to Success helped me see that my future can be great. Before I didn’t think I was going to graduate high school. Now I’m planning for a career in the medical field.”

– Victoria

WHY KEYS TO SUCCESS?

Each year approximately 900 youth leave Arizona’s foster care system without families and the opportunities they need to help them succeed. As a result, they are more likely than their peers to drop out of school, become parents before they are ready, experience homelessness, or end up in jail – costly consequences that affect us all.

WHAT WE DO IN ARIZONA

The goal of Keys to Success is to provide career development services for youth aging out of foster care that lead them to discover their potential and a pathway to living wage employment. Once enrolled in the program, participants work with a team that helps them:

  • Identify short and long-term career goals
  • Prepare for and secure employment
  • Identify and complete education/training that aligns with their career plans
  • Develop life skills and build upon personal interests
  • Connect to partnering organizations that provide additional services or resources.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To enroll in the Keys to Success program, youth:

  • Reside in Maricopa, Pima or Yavapai County
  • Can participate if adopted or placed in legal guardianship after age 15
  • Has reunified with biological family after age 14
  • Must demonstrate a commitment to engage in the career development services provided by their Keys to Success team
  • Must sign the youth participation contract that outlines expected commitments, responsibilities and behaviors

Click the Refer a Youth button if you’d like to recommend a youth to Keys to Success.

CHANGE THE STORY FOR YOUTH AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE IN ARIZONA

There are different ways in which you can assist you transitioning from care to adulthood. Here are just a few:

Refer a Youth

To qualify for the program, youth must be between the ages of 16 and 26 and reside in either Maricopa, Pima or Yavapai County. You can submit your referral here.

Employ a Youth

Keys to Success continually seeks new employment and resource partners to help our youth achieve their goals. Contact Keys to Success program director Diane Daily at ddaily@affcf.org to find out how you can become a Keys to Success partner.

Support Our Work

Not only will your donation support our important work, but it may also qualify for a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit under the Arizona Foster Care Tax Credit. Donate to AFFCF’s Keys to Success program at affcf.org/give.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“This program has helped me by pairing me with mentors and coaches who have connected me to foster care advocacy programs and professionals in the community.'”

– Jesus

2022 PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Enrolled 169 new youth in the program in Arizona

Program youth secured employment within one year of enrollment

Program youth retained employment for 30 days or longer

Program youth gained an employable skill or aptitude within six months of intake

Program youth who completed GED, enrolled in post-secondary or vocational training

At six months from intake 86% of participating youth increased their total Self-Sufficiency Matrix Score.

Keys to Success Team

Diane Daily
Program Director

Kim Jenkins
Career Services Manager

Brenna Bader
Career Development Specialist

Stephany Caceres Mejia
Career Development Specialist

Kaylen Cruz
Career Development Specialist

Bethany Deeby
Career Development Specialist

Mike Flanagan
Career Development Specialist

Jamie Hogue
Career Development Specialist

Maria Navarro
Career Development Specialist

Madison Poindexter
Career Development Specialist

Krystal Solano Serrano
Career Development Specialist

Helene Tonnemacher
Career Development Specialist

Marissa Wilson
Career Development Specialist

 

Julia Jones
Employment Services Manager

Kaylee Baker
Employment Development Specialist

Gail Fidura
Employment Development Specialist

Kelly Hubbard
Employment Development Specialist

Genova Mateo
Employment Development Specialist

Gloria Hernandez
Employment Development Specialist

Emily Oji
Employment Development Specialist

 

Becky Gutierrez
Resource Development Specialist

 

T’Ra Watts
Housing Specialist 

Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation

_____________________________________

Address:  360 E Coronado Rd Suite 190, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Phone:  602.693.1866

Email:  info@affcf.org

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This