Contra Costa Independent Living Skills Program Lauds Assistance League

Prior to the Assistance League® Diablo Valley Regular Meeting on September 11, 2024, Kristin Olsen, of the Contra Costa Independent Living Skills Program, presented an update regarding Assistance League Community Needs Programs-Senior Year Sponsorships clients. Independent Living Skills Program is a federally mandated program that supports a 16-21 year age group by use of a four-pillar model, Education, Employment, Housing and overall Wellbeing by offering Life Skills classes and workshops. This approach equips clients to apply for college, financial aid, scholarships, vocational training and jobs.

Ms. Olsen acknowledged Assistance League Diablo Valley’s Community Needs-Senior Year Sponsorships as a crucial partner by providing Scholarships since 2008, senior sponsorships that finance such life experiences as attending a prom, senior photos, grad night and purchase of technology. Ms. Olsen added that On My Way Bags, i.e., large, sturdy duffle bags on wheels, bulging with daily necessities, equip Foster Youth clients when moving into a college dorm or living space. In recent years, the On My Way Bags have included gift cards, truly, an unanticipated joy.

Ms. Olsen also shared that Assistance League clients continue to heal by sharing their stories at confidential speaking events and by working at a Family Harvest Farm as they transform barren land into a bountiful yield. And the healing flourishes, in that, the yield is eventually donated to community members who are at-risk. Other Independent Living Skill’s pursuits include learning from fellow clients, whether it be a cooking class or a beading workshop, resplendent with a wooden loom, built by hand.

Ms. Olsen concluded with this thought: “One force that binds all ILS clients is their emergence from fear and tragedy.” While highly qualified staff council ILS clients to take positive risks, make good decisions and see themselves as winners, a fear of disappointment haunts them. To that end, Ms. Olsen thanked Assistance League Diablo Valley’s Community Needs Programs-Senior Year Sponsorships.

To learn more about Assistance League Diablo Valley’s hands-on programs, please visit: assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley.