Mike entered MPP's YAI Independent Living Program as an 18 year who had just graduated with a high school diploma from a private school for students that need in school mental health and behavioral management services. Mike and his two brothers were found abandoned when they were all elementary school age. Mike lived successfully in one MPP Treatment Foster Home for 5 years with foster parents that he still refers to as his grandparents. The foster parents were having difficultly moving Mike forward from his high school success into the world of work or further education. Mike was working part-time at McDonald's and expressed no interest in further formal education and had no particular interests vocationally.

Mike had no knowledge of how to pay bills nor could he maintain himself in an apartment. However, Mike was a diligent worker with a group of “close” friends. He had no diagnosed mental health issues and had no record with law enforcement authorities. He simply needed strong male role models to help him move forward in the world of work. Therefore, Mike was placed in an apartment setting with a peer and an older male mentor. The mentor was working full time and going to college. This proved to be the best setting to help Mike move forward toward independence.

YAI taught Mike to cook, clean, coordinate responsibly with roommates and take on new challenges in the work world. While in YAI, Mike interned with the Baltimore City Public Works landscaping city parks and streets. He learned how to work as part of a team and the importance of good attendance at work to get ahead at work.

During his last year in YAI Mike decided to go back to school for training as a Certified Nursing Assistant and was working full-time, in his own apartment and paying all his bills by the time he turned 21. After leaving the program at age 21 Mike, figuratively speaking, stumbled and had to rely on the support system he had built for himself. This support system included the strong relationship he maintained with his former MPP Foster Parents. With the skills learned from the YAI Independent Living Program and the ongoing support of a loving substitute family (his "grandparents"). Mike was able to complete nursing school to become a registered nurse (RN). He has had a stable job and self sufficient living arrangement for the last 4 years.