Independent Living Program YAI Housing Accommodations YAI Services Meet Our Team Contact Us
Independent Living Program
The Young Adult’s Initiative Independent Living Program (YAI) is a highly individualized, apartment-based, community-oriented youth development program that works with young men and women between the ages of 16 and 21 who are referred by and transitioning from DSS foster care throughout the state of MD. Under the umbrella of the Martin Pollak Project, Inc.’s continuum of services for children and their families, YAI provides housing, support services and a safe haven that empowers and encourages these young women and men to become increasingly more self-sufficient as they finish their schooling, develop their career path, enter the workforce and gain specific life skills needed to live on their own.
Our Vision
Every youth will have a safe place to call home & the skills to maintain a positive, productive lifestyle.
Our Mission
To provide youth with the resources to support their ability to sustain an independent lifestyle that is … responsible, safe, stable and secure.
Our Philosophy
YAI Program Services are grounded in the belief that all youth have the fundamental right to:
- Supports that allow them to develop their unique talents and potential,
- Resources that enable them to sustain their lives in a reasonable fashion,
- Living environments that are safe and stable,
- Opportunities that allow them to contribute to their own well-being,
- Community partnerships that promote their transition from passive recipients to active participants.
***Check out a virtual tour of one of our 1-bedroom apartments in the YAI Housing Accommodations section.
Help Build The Future:
Youth Are Important…Please stop by to share your ideas with our staff, to develop a partnership with YAI as a community resource, to tour a program apartment, or to find out more about our program.
Donate your new or slightly used household goods or apartment furnishings.
List of needed items will be provided upon request.