Youth Program

The Youth Program provides services that assist refugee and immigrant youth with gaining the skills to make a successful transition from childhood to adulthood with the recognition that these youths face the significant challenge of simultaneously navigating two cultures. The program’s focus is accordingly on our student-clients’ education and integration into their new community. Like other youth, our clients must master certain life skills to make a healthy transition to adulthood.

But for young humanitarian immigrants, additional challenges can complicate the transition, such as:

• Low English literacy levels
• 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
• Inexperience in navigating the U.S. school system

Furthermore, many of our young clients have experienced significant trauma and loss. To address the unique needs and challenges faced by these individuals, Exodus’s Youth Program provides youth cultural orientation, school tours, employment training, integration activities, a teen mentor program, family case management, and direct financial support.