It is very common for homeless youth, or those aging out of the child welfare system to approach the transition to adulthood with feelings of uncertainty and helplessness. While most teenagers have many informal and formal support systems that provide them a safety net as they move out on their own, homeless and aging out youth may have no reliable support system.

CEDARS Bridges offers youth the opportunity to make that transition in a structured and supportive environment. In addition to providing safe, apartment-based housing, CEDARS staff works closely with the youth to provide opportunities to complete educational goals, maintain life skills, as well as offer employment assistance and guidance to achieve financial independence and self-reliance.

Through Bridges, youth master skills such as budgeting, shopping for and cooking a balanced diet, and household maintenance, while still having access to 24-hour on-call support and access to a CEDARS mental health therapist.

CEDARS goal is to give these youth the fair start they deserve to become leaders in their community.