Through a year-long transitional employment program, we support young adults who have histories in the foster care system. As a supportive space to learn and grow, we provide paid work experience with intentional training and coaching. Our goal is to help under resourced young adults acquire the confidence and skill they need as they embark on their employment journey. M&E builds a sense of community and belonging for these youth while supplementing short-term employment with longer-term personal and professional development. Every dollar spent in our coffee shop directly supports our program.
In addition to working shifts at the Café program, employees complete a comprehensive program focused on developing their self-efficacy, communication, teamwork/collaboration, professionalism and critical thinking and problem solving.
Program employee applicants are referred by YVLifeSet, a program under Turning Points for Children. YVLifeSet provides intensive case management for young adults ages 17-22 who are transitioning out of foster care. Questions? contact us at info@themonkeyandtheelephant.org.
Why We Do What We Do
On average 250 youth age out of the foster care system in Philadelphia annually. They are no longer eligible for support services. These youth are resilient and full of potential. Our role is to support the realization of that potential. The below statistics are here to provide context to the realities many who experience foster care face.
*Statistics are only available for youth who have aged out of the foster care system. It is our belief that the numbers are greater than the available data shows. Youth who have spent time in foster care and do not age out of the system - due to reunification with their biological family, adoption or having run away - are often less connected to preventative services and resources.