DCYF & Youth Villages Award $530K to Support Youth Independence and Reduce Homelessness

June 27, 2022
Hands coming together in unity

DCYF's Adolescent Programs and Youth Villages recently awarded new contracts to Catholic Charities of Central Washington for LifeSet services in Yakima, Benton, and Franklin counties for youth between the ages 17.5 to 22 who are transitioning out of systems of care (child welfare, juvenile justice, behavioral health).  

LifeSet, a program of Youth Villages, pairs a highly trained specialist with each young person to help identify and accomplish goals that support independence. These services help to reduce youth homelessness, increase economic well-being, and support better mental health. So far, the program has helped more than 20,000 young people become successful adults across the country.

This is the second DCYF contract for these services in the state (the first is in King County with the YMCA Social Impact Center). Funds for the contracts were awarded via a combination of legislative proviso in ESSB 5693 (2021) and Ballmer Group funds. The contracts total more than $500,000 and take effect on July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.

This work aligns with DCYF’s strategic priorities to successfully transition youth into adulthood and improve the quality and availability of provider services. This work also aligns with SB 6560’s legislative requirements for DCYF to ensure no young person discharges into homelessness from a system of care.

“LifeSet provides critical support through intensive case management services which help adolescents exiting systems of care succeed as they transition into adulthood,” said DCYF Prevention Program Manager Cole Ketcherside. “DCYF and Youth Villages are excited to be contracting with Catholic Charities to expand LifeSet to Yakima, Benton, and Franklin communities.”

Learn more about LifeSet services