Who We Serve

We serve youth in the treasure valley who are at risk of homelessness or have aged out of foster care and need support as they transition to independence.

Requirements for a Qualified Youth

• Willingness to receive support.
• Willing to develop a transition plan and motivated to better themselves.
• Willingness either to work part-time while furthering education full-time or to work full-time and continue education part-time.
• Must be between ages 18 and 22.

FAQs

Q1: What do I need to do to apply for the JEMfriends transition program?

A: You need to complete the entire application and mail it in to the address on the application form.

 

Q2: Do I have to age-out of foster care to enter the JEMfriends transition program?

A: No. JEMfriends serves youth who have aged-out of foster situations, meaning situations in which they have not had much support or family around them, including homelessness and group-home living, as well as foster care.

 

Q3: At what age can I receive JEMfriends’ support?

A: Youth ages 18-22 are eligible for our transition program.  If you are unsure if you are eligible for JEMfriends’ support, we encourage you to fill out the application form and contact Liberty Thompson at liberty@jemfriends.org to find out if you are eligible.

 

Q4: What if I have not graduated High School?

A: Youth do not have to complete high school before entering the JEMfriends transition program.  We often support youth as they are finishing high school or pursuing their GED.

 

Q5: What are the Life Skills classes like?

A: Life skills classes are held on the first and third Thursday of each month. Each class covers a different life skills topic and is taught by a volunteer from the community.  Through our life skills program, youth can earn rewards for attending class and for completing class assignments.  These rewards range from grocery store gift cards to          computers that support the youths’ education.

 

Q6: Is internet available at the house?

A: Yes, JEMfriends provides internet and a home phone at each house for the use of the youth living there.

 

Q7: Is there a curfew at the house?

A: No, there is not a curfew at the house.

 

Q8: What are the house rules?

A: The following are the house rules:

• Absolutely no drugs, alcohol, smoking (or vaping), or weapons (in house or on property) are allowed.
• Participation in chore rotations is expected to keep the home clean.
• Lending out household items is not allowed.
• No members of the opposite sex or any people of romantic interest are allowed in the bedrooms.
• No sexual activity is allowed in the home.
• No friends of the opposite sex are allowed at the house without the direct permission of the RA.
• Quiet Hours (12 midnight-7am on weekends/10pm-7am on weekdays) must be respected.
• No parties are allowed. (Over 4 guests at a time is a party.)
• All guests must leave by 12 midnight on weekends/10 pm on school nights.
• Youth must inform their RA if they will not be coming home at night.
• Physical altercations and/or verbal disrespect will lead to dismissal from the program.

Q9: How will I get to work and/or school if I don’t have a car?

A: JEMfriends provides youth with bus passes and helps youth obtain bicycles.

 

Q10: Are pets allowed at the house?

A: No, pets are not allowed at the house.

 

Q11: Are my friends allowed at the house?

A: Friends are allowed at the house, provided that the youth follows the house expectations (refer to Q7) and that the RA feels it is advisable.  Most youth with good habits, such as good communication and respect for house rules, are given permission to have friends over.