Independent Living Program
Open Heart currently offers a Independent Living Program. Our Program includes the following:
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Serves youth between the ages of 16-19
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Youth must be temporary or permanent court wards of the foster care system
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Youth must commit to a school plan, vocational plan, living arrangement, budget, and schedule
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Youth must exhibit maturity in self-care and personal judgement
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Youth must be in compliance with mental health services and/or all prescribed medications
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Youth must be assigned to the Independent Living program through MDHHS
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OHC provides the following:
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Housing supervision
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Low barrier housing
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Assists youth in becoming economically self-sufficient
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Assists with independent living skills such as:​
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Life skills assessments of strengths and needs
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College applications
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Educational or vocational referrals and/or support
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Employment referrals and/or support
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Adult and/or peer mentors
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Practical hands-on experience
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Cooking
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Laundry
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Resume Writing
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Cover Letter Writing
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Interview Skills
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Financial Literacy
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Communication Skills
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Residency with Open Heart Communities is meant to bridge the gap to living independently. We offer assistance in becoming economically self-sufficient by providing low barrier housing with a variety of resources for life skills and supportive services.
Please ​note ​that ​Open Heart Communities is ​a ​program. ​Living ​in ​Open Heart Communities ​is ​not ​a ​landlord/tenant arrangement ​where ​paying ​rent ​entitles ​the ​tenant ​to ​live ​there. ​It’s ​a ​program ​that ​has ​admission ​policy, discharge ​policy ​and ​requires ​cooperation ​from its ​residents. Our rules, policies, and procedures are in place to ensure client’s safety, health, and overall well-being.
Youth must follow the following house rules:
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No overnight guests
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No engaging in sexual activity inside the home
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No drugs or alcohol in the home
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No fighting
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No illegal or criminal activity
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No firearms or weapons
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No smoking inside the home
