OHB - Omaha Home for Boys Programs Admissions About Careers Contact DONATE PROGRAMS Branching Out Independent Living Branching Out® is OHB’s Independent Living Program that helps young adults develop the skills and confidence needed to live self-sufficient, productive lives. Young adults in Branching Out have access to social services, life skills development, education assistance, scholarships, workforce readiness training and housing assistance. Independent Living Specialists work with youth throughout their time in the program and in the final phase of Branching Out, clients have the opportunity to become peer mentors. Who We Serve Branching Out serves young adults ages 14 to 26 who are current or former state wards. These young adults live on their own in the community but are often living in a state of crisis. Upon joining the Branching Out Program these youth become part of a community of growing young adults who are supported by their peers and the caring Branching Out staff. Meeting A Need Studies show once young adults involuntarily leave foster care, they face greater challenges and risks to their success than other youth. These risks include less likelihood of completing education goals, finding safe and affordable housing, obtaining and maintaining jobs and utilizing community resources. Young men are at significant risk to have contact with law enforcement and be incarcerated, creating a strain on both the young adult and the system at large. OHB’s Branching Out Program aims to keep youth from falling through these gaps. Support, communication and planning are all equally important to ensuring the youth can maintain self-sustained, independent living after program completion. Steps to Self-Sufficiency The Branching Out Program consists of three phases that help youth work toward independence: Introductory Phase Youth build the foundation needed to complete the rest of the program requirements. Create a budget Complete a resume Attend public transportation training Obtain vital documents Complete courses in time management, goal setting or cooking Building Phase Youth focus on key areas to build their self-sufficiency. Housing Education Employment Long term planning Community engagement Self-Sufficiency Phase Youth act as peer supporters and mentors to others participating in the first two phases of the program. Admissions Any current or former state ward between the ages of 14 and 26 at the time of admission may apply to Branching Out. Individuals over the age of 19 may self-refer to enroll while applicants 19 and younger need a referral from a caseworker. Interested youth must first complete an application to Branching out. Applicants will then be scheduled for an orientation meeting with a Branching Out Independent Living Specialist. Contact Keenan Page Independent Living Manager 919 N. 48th Street, Omaha, NE 68132 402.558.0366 Ext. 111 kpage@ohb.org CONTACT ADMISSIONS Home About Admissions Careers Contact Donate News Events Success Stories Programs Inspiration Hill Residential Living Jacobs’ Place Transitional Living Branching Out Independent Living Supportive Housing Education and Scholarships Clinical Services Youth Mart Valley View 4-H ©2021 Omaha Home for Boys