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
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
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
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
Gail Fidura
Employment Development Specialist
Gloria Petruzzelli
Employment Development Specialist
Ciara Quidera Lara
Employment Development Specialist
Genova Mateo
Employment Development Specialist
Kelly Hubbard
Employment Development Specialist
Becky Gutierrez
Resource Development Specialist
T’Ra Watts
Housing Specialist
Amanda Zhllima
Keys to Financial Success Program Manager
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation
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Address: 360 E Coronado Rd Suite 190, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Phone: +1 (602) 252-9445
Email: grants@affcf.org