Employment Pathways for Transition-Age Youth

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The LOLA Clubhouse serves transition-age youth (TAY) ages 18-21 who are experiencing severe mental illness. Data shows that the challenges youth in LA face are often complex and interrelated, with 29.5% of young people age 17 and under living below the poverty threshold, and an estimated 5,760 youth experiencing homelessness. TAY also suffer from a high risk of unemployment and additional risk factors exacerbated by their interrelated experience in the justice system and foster care, with 62% of homeless youth in LA reporting previous involvement in the justice system and 31% in welfare. The trauma-informed and community-based approach of the Clubhouse will help to reduce health disparities and promote equity for marginalized young people in LA. By destigmatizing mental health, promoting self-advocacy, and upholding employment and education as pillars of success, youth will be empowered to successfully navigate their journeys into adulthood.

Optimist is respectfully requesting funding to support the addition a new Clubhouse staff position – TAY Employment and Career Pathways Supervisor, focused on connecting transition-age youth ages 18-21, also known as Clubhouse Members, to employment pathways. The Clubhouse operates on approved evidence-based drop-in center model that addresses serious mental health issues through community centers. There are no requirements to becoming a Member other than age. All programs at Optimist are trauma-informed and culturally sensitive, focused on justice and equity for underserved and vulnerable populations. Through the clubhouse model, members are linked to a wide variety of supportive services such as transportation, financial management, crisis intervention, education and career opportunities, housing support, and self-advocacy. In addition, the clubhouse offers community outings and events to promote community integration and help young adults build meaningful relationships. The TAY Employment and Career Pathways Supervisor will work closely with members to identify career interests and link youth to education and employment opportunities, with a specific focus on trade and apprenticeships that allow youth to build meaningful career experience.

Through a comprehensive provision of a variety of resources, Optimist will empower youth in LA experiencing severe mental illness by providing them the tools they need to build bright futures. Specifically, the position this grant will fund will allow the Clubhouse to develop relationships with local trade and apprenticeship programs and work with Members to help them achieve their career goals. By June 2025, Optimist expects to serve an active Membership of up to 125 Members with an average daily attendance of 60-70 people. Optimist aims to achieve the following goals for the LOLA Clubhouse: - Increase in number of Members completing High School diploma
- Increase in number of Members enrolling in continuing education
- Increase in number of Members entering graduate school
- Increase in number of Members gaining and maintain employment

Optimist uses qualitative and quantitative metrics to track impact of all our services. Through all programs, we promote four interrelated goals for youth: show meaningful improvement in emotional wellness, increase their social support and social capital, engage and succeed in school, and develop hopeful long-term career plans. In addition, Clubhouse Members are further evaluated on their connections with workforce opportunities, participation in recreational and employment activities, increase in Members completing high school and entering college, and level of employment with consideration for a meaningful living wage.