Foothills Healthcare Partner Programs
Kentucky Youth & Children’s Foundation
The Independent Living Program is designed to empower young people with the skills, confidence, and support network they need to build safe, stable, and productive lives.
KY Youth & Children's Foundation
Safe Housing and Real-World Skills for Independent Living
The Kentucky Youth and Children’s Foundation Independent Living Program provides safe housing, life skills development, and supportive services for young adults ages 18–21 in the custody of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Through structured guidance, education, and community support, the program helps participants build the skills needed to transition into independent adulthood.
Contact Information
Kentucky Youth & Children’s Foundation
Address
758 Monticello Street
Somerset, KY 42501
Phone: (606) 388-9022
Fax: (606) 687-3200
Program Leadership
Samantha Simmons, LPCC-S, LCADC
Chief Executive Officer
ssimmons@cbiky.org
Erin Grider, LPCC
Treatment Director, Program Director,
egrider@cbiky.org
Purpose
Preparing Young Adults for Independent Adulthood
The purpose of the Independent Living Program is to provide youth ages 18–21 who are in the custody of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services with safe and stable housing and supportive services related to:
Employment readiness
Education and career development
Treatment and personal growth
These services are designed to help participants transition into adulthood in a successful, responsible, and independent manner.
Housing and Living Support
Safe, Furnished Apartments for Participants
Participants in the program live in apartments provided by the Kentucky Youth and Children’s Foundation, creating a safe and stable environment where they can practice independent living skills.
Key housing supports include:
Free Rent and Utilities
Participants do not pay rent or utility costs while committed to the custody of the state.
Fully Furnished Apartments
Each apartment includes basic furnishings and appliances such as a refrigerator, stove, microwave, bed, couch, television, and dining table.
Transition Support
Participants who successfully complete the program at age 21 may keep certain furniture and household items to help them transition into their own housing.
Program Highlights
On-site staff available Monday–Friday to provide guidance and support
Walking distance to Somerset Community College for easy access to education and resources
Newly constructed apartment units with modern layouts
2–3 bedroom apartments with roommates — each resident has a private bathroom
Serving young adults ages 18–21 as they transition toward independent living
Financial and Daily Living Support
Building Financial Responsibility and Stability
Participants receive financial support while learning how to responsibly manage everyday expenses.
Program supports may include:
Monthly Stipend for clothing, hygiene items, and basic necessities
Assistance with budget planning and savings goals
Opportunities to earn additional financial incentives by meeting program expectations
Participants also receive support in developing realistic financial plans that prepare them for independent living after leaving the program.
Life Skills and Personal Development
Learning the Skills Needed for Everyday Life
The program helps young adults build essential life skills that support independence and long-term success.
Instruction and guidance may include:
Budgeting and financial management
Cooking and nutrition
Household management and organization
Employment readiness and job search skills
Communication and personal responsibility
Participants also attend monthly life skills classes and group sessions, where they learn alongside other program participants while building positive peer support networks.
Case Management and Individualized Support
Guidance, Mentorship, and Goal Planning
Each participant works closely with program staff to create a structured plan for growth and independence.
Key program components include:
- Initial Assessments conducted within the first 14 days to evaluate living skills and identify service needs
- Individualized Treatment Planning developed with program staff and DCBS representatives
- Weekly Case Management Meetings that focus on progress, accountability, and skill development
- Ongoing mentorship and guidance from staff throughout participation in the program
These services help ensure that each participant receives personalized support tailored to their goals and needs.
Our Commitment
The Kentucky Youth and Children’s Foundation Independent Living Program is committed to helping young adults develop the confidence, stability, and skills needed to succeed on their own.
Through safe housing, structured support, and real-world life skills training, the program helps participants take meaningful steps toward independence and long-term success.
Our Mission
The Kentucky Youth and Children’s Foundation Independent Living Program is dedicated to providing safe housing, independent living skills, and support for males and females ages 18–21 in order to shape opportunities for a successful future.
The program believes that personal growth is best developed through collaboration, bringing together dedicated staff and positive community support systems to help young adults build stability, confidence, and independence.
Looking for Help or More Information?
If you or someone you know is looking for behavioral health services, recovery support, youth programs, or family resources in southern Kentucky, Foothills Healthcare can help connect you with the program that best fits your needs.