Youth Program
The Youth Program provides services that assist refugee youth with gaining the skills to make a successful transition from childhood to adulthood with the recognition that refugee youth face the significant challenge of simultaneously navigating two cultures. The program’s focus is accordingly on refugee student education and integration into their new community. Like other youth, refugee youth must master certain life skills to make a healthy transition to adulthood.
But for refugee youth, additional challenges can complicate the transition, such as:
- low English literacy levels or illiteracy;
- transportation limitations;
- no history of formal education;
- family financial needs related to rent, utilities, food, and other basic needs;
- unfamiliarity with personal safety and domestic violence issues;
- ongoing medical and/or mental health needs;
- and inexperience in navigating the U.S. school system.
Furthermore, many refugee youth have experienced significant trauma and significant loss. To address the unique needs and challenges faced by refugee youth, Exodus’ Youth Program provides youth cultural orientation, school tours, employment training, integration activities, a teen mentor program, family case management, and direct financial support.
