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For many young people in the Building Futures program, designed to help them secure living-wage employment and attain self-sufficiency, challenges and obstacles are common. Fortunately, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Building Futures program, created for those aging out of the foster care system, has been a lifeline. 

So, when the pandemic began, Building Futures counselor Ora Lockett went to work strengthening that cord. During the months with the program’s tenacity, ingenuity and hard work, participants have not only adapted, but also have become more involved and, in some instances, excelled in their efforts. 

“Since we’ve all had to pivot our circumstances in terms of the way we communicated, we’ve managed to become more effective via email, Zoom and through online services,” said Lockett. “Not only have we partnered with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) through online workshops, but we also offer virtual sessions geared to help our clients develop the skills needed to prepare them for the workforce, and as a result we have seen a higher amount of participation.” 

“Many of our students are developing new skills through online services,” continued Lockett. “Although things have been a bit grim in terms of having to adjust our lifestyles, many of our students are thriving and discovering new ways to learn, communicate and become more effective in building the lifestyles that they deserve.” 

Also of concern was the participants’ mental health. 

“It was important to us to continue providing monthly mental wellness checks,” added Lockett. “Students are emailed a survey and asked to denote one of following responses: ‘Red-I’m doing great’ or Purple-I need to reach out for support.’ This has been tremendously helpful, because it allows our clients to provide quick responses and is discreet.” 

“Ora has developed wonderful rapport with our program participants and has been excellent in keeping in constant contact with them,” said Building Futures Program Director Precious Grimes. “Ora has also significantly helped us continue our essential programming, and even expand it during the pandemic.” 

“Living through this pandemic has allowed us to teach our students how to be more resilient, how to communicate effectively, and how to become more resourceful in terms of positioning themselves for future goals,” explained Lockett. “For example, one student not only maintains his current job during the pandemic and continues to participate in online training, but he has also started a new business venture as an independent lawn contractor.” 

According to Grimes, Building Futures is a statewide program, designed to help young adults, ages 15-21, obtain credentials and work experience after they have phased out of the foster care system. The ultimate goal is to help young adults secure living-wage employment and learn how to financially support themselves when they are past foster care. Key goals for the program are to eliminate barriers for Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) youth and assist them in getting to a place of self-sufficiency, by helping them find affordable housing, and meet their educational or vocational training goals. 

With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals—from pre-school through adult—in the Metro East region. The Center offers programs that give the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. It does so by providing comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts.  

Photo:
L-R: Building Futures counselor Ora Lockett and Building Futures Program Director Precious Grimes.