Youth center receives grant

WASILLA -- The Transitional Living Center in Wasilla was recently awarded $199,257, the third installment of a three-year federal grant, to help fund services for 16- to 21-year-old women.

TLC assists young women who have grown up in highly dysfunctional homes. The program helps them develop life skills necessary to function as independent citizens.

Rich McGill, residential services director at the center, said the program focuses on practical skills.

"These are kids who have not had good parenting or none at all," McGill said. "We teach them how to handle money and anything else you might learn just from living in a functional family."

McGill said the nontherapeutic approach of the center has been effective with 75 to 80 percent of enrolled women successfully completing the program. The center is geared toward adolescents who show motivation and responsibility to better their lives through education, employment and financial security.

The center focuses its resources on homeless youth and those living in foster care systems, with women receiving ongoing assessments and services as they work their way through the program. The women receive help finding jobs, enrolling in college or applying for other services such as Job Corps. The maximum stay at the center is 18 months or until the person reaches age 21.

McGill estimates about 12 women use the six-bed center each year. The center is run by Kids Are People, a private nonprofit organization in the Valley. McGill said there are 197 similar centers nationwide.

Women interested in staying at the center should call the main office at 376-6016.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.