Supportive Housing Program for Transitional Age Youth

Stepping Stones’ supportive housing program for Transitional Age Youth provides essential resources to help young adults transition to independence and a brighter future.

When Luke joined Casa Pacifica’s Transitional Youth Services (TYS) program in the spring of 2024, he was on the cusp of adulthood but faced significant challenges. Struggling with his mental health and estranged from his family, he knew he had a long road ahead. Yet, with the right support and his own determination, he made extraordinary progress in just a few short months.

His first major victory came with earning his high school diploma, a milestone that marked not just academic success but a new beginning. “Before Casa Pacifica I didn’t think finishing high school was in the cards for me. It felt good to know that I was capable and that I could achieve things that seemed out of reach,” he explains.

Upon turning 18, Luke transitioned into Stepping Stones, Casa Pacifica’s supportive housing program for transitional age youth, where he began working on essential life skills to build a foundation for his future.

Stepping Stones helps fortify at-risk young adults through integrated therapeutic services.

“Stepping Stones provides at-risk young adults with the comprehensive support they need to transition into independence,” explains Victor Juarez, Stepping Stones Supervisor. “Through case management, mental health services, education and career guidance and life skills training, we empower these young people to build a stable and successful future despite the challenges they’ve faced in their past.”

Cooking nutritious meals in the Susan & Ken Bauer Teaching Kitchen, managing a budget and creating a grocery plan were some of the first skills Luke tackled—understanding that independence starts with self-sufficiency. But he didn’t stop there. Determined to continue his education, he worked closely with his TYS Transition Facilitator to complete his federal student aid application and enroll as a full-time student at Ventura College.

Understanding the importance of reliable transportation, Luke took on another challenge: mastering the public transit system and ride-sharing services to ensure he could get to class. Recently, he passed his written driver’s test, and thanks to Casa Pacifica’s loyal donors, he’s now enrolled in driver’s education to work toward his license.

Through it all, Luke has recognized that true success is about more than just practical skills—it’s also about mental well-being. “My regular therapy sessions are a priority and so is engaging with my support team,” he explains.

“Luke’s growth over the past year is inspiring. He came to us facing significant challenges, but through his resilience and determination, he has embraced every opportunity to build a better future. From earning his diploma to mastering essential life skills, he is proving that with the right support and mindset, anything is possible,” Victor says. “We are so proud of his progress and can’t wait to see all that he will accomplish.”

In less than a year, Luke has transformed his future, proving that with the right resources and a drive to succeed, anything is possible. His journey is far from over, but one thing is certain—Luke is on the path to a brighter, more independent future.

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