coaching model
The Life (learning, independence, foster empowerment) Program is a coaching model in partnership between Family Tapestry and the Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Pilot Project. It is a holistic support for foster youth age 16-18 approaching adulthood. This unique model does not replicate or replace the Preparation for Adult Living program, rather it combines the Casey Life Domains, Clifton Strengths® and Emotional Intelligence to prioritize their level of need and bridge learned life skills that strengthen healthy habits as they transition to their post-secondary educational and life goals.
vision
Life Program coaching is committed to coaching and transitioning foster youth into adulthood to reach their educational and life goals. The Life Program also positions foster youth for success in the Bexar County Fostering Educational Success Pilot Project campus-based support programs.
program goals
1. Create successful transitions for foster youth approaching adulthood that create a flourishing future through the experience of working with a life program coach.
2. Connect foster youth to strong and enduring networks of support that address their unique needs and educational goals.
3. Provide training and coaching uniquely focused on the individual foster youth’s strengths and their natural talents.
4. At full capacity, this program will serve 240 youth in foster care in Bexar County.
core components of the life program
group coaching sessions
Group coaching sessions are designed to create peer networks to support the life goals of the foster youth. These groups are cohort-based with a maximum number of 12 in each group with a life program coach as team leader. These groups progress through the coaching program as a cohort and are grouped by common life goals. These group coaching sessions are 60 minutes and occur once a month.
one-on-one coaching sessions
Each youth has a Life Program coach who provides one-on-one coaching during the program. This coach provides 30-minute coaching sessions once a week during the academic year. Due to COVID-19, the program is both web-based coaching and face-to-face coaching. Both modes of coaching are effective and utilized based on the needs of the youth.
volunteer life program coaches
Volunteer Life Program coaches are required to attend 24 hours of Life Program coach training and will coach a minimum of four students weekly. These volunteers are recruited from the community and local university upper division students. This is a one academic year commitment for the volunteer coach. Background checks are required for the volunteers.
want to connect?
For additional questions about the Life Program, or to volunteer please contact:
Melissa Mahan, Ph.D
vp of education and foster coaching
Email: MMahan@familytapestry.org
Office: 210-503-4523
