Supervised Independent Living Program

More Than Just Housing

At Beacon Center, we are more than housing – but a home. If you are male or female (regardless of gender), between 18-22 years old and need assistance transitioning to adulthood, we are here to help. Young adults in a Beacon Center home have aged out of the foster care system, and many have also experienced abuse or neglect.

We provide a residential home and support services for young adults until they reach the age of 22, ensuring a successful transition from a difficult past to a safe, stable and successful future.

  • Live

    Reside in a safe and stable shared living environment. Live cooperatively in well-maintained furnished housing with other young adults in typical residential neighborhoods throughout Texas.

  • Love

    Participate in programming that helps build trusting relationships, encourages love and respect for self and others, promotes personal growth and responsibility, and fosters hope for the future.

  • Laugh

    Connect with other young adults who understand where you have been, where you are heading, and who can make the journey much more supportive and enjoyable.

  • Grow

    Work with a case manager who will provide ongoing guidance, assistance, and encouragement. You may also be paired with mentor to encourage goal progress, foster accountability, and strengthen your plans.

Core Program Components & Requirements

Each resident is encouraged to have at least 40 productive hours each month during their time in the program. You must have part-time employment and/or be enrolled in an educational or employment program, unless incapable of doing so due to a documented medical condition. Activities included in the productive hours are: educational program, employment program, volunteering, counseling and mentor meetings.

  • Life Skills Training

    Life skills classes focus on practical skills that are necessary for living  independently. Weekly training modules cover the following main areas: daily living skills, interpersonal communication, education and employment, money management, health and wellness, community resources, and housing and home management. 

  • Life Coaching

    Upon admission, you will be paired with a case manager who will work with you throughout you residency to develop service planning goals that lead to sustainable independent living. During weekly meetings, you will work closely with the case manager who will review and discuss your individual needs, help you identify service plan goals, develop action plans for meeting them, and ensure that you are staying on-task. 

  • Mentoring

    We believe in the power of community when making life changes. We provide you with an opportunity to connect with mentors throughout your time in our supervised independent living program and beyond. We hope these mentors will serve as a resource for life for you. Mentors work together with the case manager to encourage goal progress, foster accountability, and strengthen plans to create change. They serve as advocates for you in the small daily things as well as the big life decisions.

  • Education

    We strongly encourage further education for young adults. If you wish to obtain a high school diploma, GED, technical school certificate, associates degree, or bachelors degree, we will work to support that effort in whatever way possible. You will be encouraged to complete applications for scholarships, grants, and loans.

  • Employment

    If you do not have a job upon entering the program, you are expected to job search everyday (except weekends) until a job is secured. During your time in the program, you must be able to hold a job (unless a full-time student) and are required to work at least 20-hours per week. Full-time students are encouraged to work at least 15-hours per week.

Eligibility Criteria

Youth seeking admission to the Beacon Supervised Independent Living Program must be:

  1. 18-22 years old;

  2. Aging out of foster care; 

  3. Seeking a long-term independent living solution; 

  4. Willing to actively participate in programs designed to enhance education, vocational skills, employment opportunities and community involvement;

  5. Willing and capable of acquiring skills and resources necessary to become economically self-sufficient and a productive member of the community;

  6. Able and willing to live cooperatively with other residents of the program;

  7. Able to complete basic self-care skills and follow a daily routine;

  8. Able to manage mental health issues with medication and outpatient treatment;

  9. Free of any chemical dependencies, (alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, synthetic drugs, etc.), or, in cases of past chemical dependency, be actively engaged in a program to maintain sobriety; 

  10. Free and clear of any violent, sexual or fire related incidents or criminal history; and 

  11. Able to meet one of the following:

    • Regularly attending high school or a program leading to a high school diploma or a high school equivalency certificate (GED);

    • Regularly attending an institution of higher learning or postsecondary vocational or technical program (minimum 6-hours per semester);

    • Participating in a program or activity that promotes or removes barriers to employment;

    • Employed at least 80-hours a month; or

    • Incapable of performing the activities described above due to a documented medical condition.