April 20, 2013

Mission launches transitional living program for young women

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The Mission will soon be launching a new transitional program for young women. The program, for women ages 18–21, seeks to provide housing for young women who have aged out of the foster care system. In order to be accepted, a young woman must fill out an application and participate in an informal interview to determine if she is a right fit for the program. Applications will be accepted beginning May 1. An official name for the program will be announced at the Lincoln Homeless Coalition meeting on April 26.

The program will last for a full year, and there are two tracks: one for single women and one for current and expectant mothers. Each track is made of five different elements geared toward helping women explore their passions and recognize their unique gifts. Each week, women will attend life skills classes, have casework and house meetings, contribute to house chores, serve in outreach, and attend a recovery session. Each woman is also required to pursue education or employment while enrolled in the program. The goal is to graduate confident women who are prepared to live independently.

Mission staff member Allison Hraban is the director of the new program. According to Hraban, the Mission is exploring additional ways to help set these young women up for long-term success.

“We’re really concerned with permanency,” said Hraban. “…How we set young women up even after they’ve left. We just don’t want to leave them high and dry.” In order to achieve success in that area, the program will need support from the local community.

“First and foremost, we need people who are willing to pray for these young women and our program,” said Hraban. “We could also really use consistent and committed mentors, teachers, babysitters—individuals who have a heart for these women.” The consistency in volunteers and staff will help give young women a sense of stability, important for moving forward independently.

The program could also use donations of baby care items and gift cards to help teach and build up the young women who enroll. Possible options include gift cards to: grocery stores, Target, and local restaurants. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, please contact Allison Hraban at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Category: Homeless