Independent Living Program
At A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay, we understand that preparing for adulthood doesn’t happen overnight — especially for youth who have experienced instability and trauma.
Our Independent Living Program for foster youth is designed to equip teens ages 13 and up with the tools, confidence, and life experience they need to become successful, self-sufficient adults.
This program gives our teens the space to learn, the encouragement to grow, and the support to make mistakes in a safe and structured environment.
Real-Life Skills for Real-Life Success
“If it wasn’t for A Kid’s Place, I wouldn’t be where I am now—in my education or in my life in general. They made a huge investment in me with their time, their love, and their support during really critical years. That investment translated directly into my ability to be resilient and to showcase that same love for foster care children today through my education and my continued work in advocacy.”
– Karen Lopez, University of California, Berkeley ’23; Public Policy and International Affairs Fellow, Princeton University; Delegate to the National Foster Youth Institute
Through hands-on workshops and one-on-one mentoring programs for youth aging out of foster care, teens build foundational life skills that many of their peers learn at home. Some of these include:
- Personal health, wellness, and hygiene
- Basic cooking and cleaning
- Education and career path goals
- Employment readiness and work experience
- Financial literacy and banking
- Character development and ethical decision making
- Interpersonal skills and relationships
- Emergency and safety procedures
- Community resources and giving back
- Civil duties and legal skills
A Path Forward
Our goal is that every teen who passes through our doors leaves feeling more prepared, more hopeful, and more empowered to face the future. Whether they’re transitioning into our Extended Foster Care home, moving into adulthood, or reuniting with family, we want them to feel ready.
Because they deserve more than just survival, they deserve the chance to thrive.
See What’s Happening at A Kid’s Place
As Foster Care Stays Lengthen, A Kid's Place Expands its Mission.
Many children entering foster care after years of instability need more shelter. They need consistent adults, stable routines and the chance to remain with their brothers and sisters long enough to feel safe, trust others and simply be children again.
-Chuck Merlis, Managing Editor, Tampa Bay Business & Wealth
Secure Your Spot Today!
A Kid’s Place invites you to join us for our 15th Annual Golf Classic Presented by Homes By West Bay this October 19, 2026.
You can contact Mags Oldman, [email protected], (813) 381-3839 or visit the link below to get more information on securing your sponsorship opportunities and locking in your foursome for a wonderful day of Golf at the Avila Golf and Country Club.
We cannot wait to see you all out on the green, none of what we do is possible without tee-rific community members like you!
