St. Pete Standard

On May 21, 2024, the St. Petersburg City Council approved a partnership with Ready for Life, Inc., to support young adults aging out of the foster care system. Nearly $1 million ($946,365) has been allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to initiate Youth Opportunity Grants.

"The Youth Opportunity Grants program is a great example of how the City is prioritizing the futures of our young people in St. Petersburg," said Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "With Education and Youth Opportunities as one of our Pillars for Progress, we are pleased to partner with Ready for Life, an experienced agency providing young adults with much-needed support at this critical juncture in their lives."

The pilot program targets young adults aged 18-27 who are former foster youth not engaged in formal aftercare services and need additional support transitioning into adulthood. The program plans to provide monthly cash disbursements directly to participants as an economic floor, supplementing rather than replacing existing income and safety nets. Participants will receive $500 per month for a total of 12 months.

"Ready for Life is excited about this partnership knowing firsthand the impact that this assistance will have on the lives of 88 young adults who were in the foster care system," said Kathy Mize, CEO of Ready for Life. "More than 40% of those we serve are homeless and hungry when they bravely make their way to our door... Thank you to the city of St. Petersburg and the St. Petersburg City Council for recognizing the hardships faced by former foster youth right here at home and for doing something so significant to help them."

Former foster youth face numerous barriers when transitioning into adulthood, including high rates of homelessness, human trafficking, and significant mental health issues. These challenges are compounded by a lack of resources and family supports necessary in today's economy. Research indicates that participants in similar programs have shown increases in full-time employment, ability to pay unexpected expenses, and emotional well-being due to receiving additional funds each month.

St. Pete joins Gainesville as one of only two municipalities in Florida with a city government-led direct cash transfer program.

Applications for Youth Opportunity Grants are anticipated to open in late Summer 2024; updates and information will be available at www.stpete.org/YOG.

Ready for Life, Inc., based in Pinellas County, is a solution-based skill center supporting former foster care youth through homelessness prevention, education and employment assistance, and lifeline support networks.

As part of ARPA funding initiatives since May 2021, $45 million has been budgeted to continue responding to COVID-19 impacts and drive equitable recovery efforts within affected communities.