We are happy to announce that Keys to Independence (K2I) is in the final steps of becoming a permanent program. We currently have over 1,000 active participants enrolled and we continue to grow every day.
With the growth from a pilot program to a permanent program, a few changes are expected. K2I will expand to benefit youth in relative care, non-relative care along with youth in licensed foster care. This means more support for youth in care ages 15-21. This will eliminate the barriers for even more youth and their caregivers. K2I will cover the cost for completing the 4-hour drug and alcohol course, the permit test, the learner’s permit fee, behind the wheel lessons, the driver’s license and insurance (certain restrictions apply).
Wayne Brown, David Finucane and Maria Solon are the Initiative Support Managers for the Keys to Independence team and have worked with every lead agency in Florida, getting as many qualified youth signed up for the program as possible. Keys to Independence is a vital part of building normalcy in the lives of teenagers in foster care. Becoming licensed and insured drivers allows them to do so much more, including participating in extracurricular activities, taking advantage of employment opportunities, and beginning a successful transition to adulthood. The Keys to Independence team is especially grateful for the many legislators, DCF leaders and Community Based Care of Central Florida staff who have supported the program’s implementation.
We look forward to sending more updates as our youth continue to succeed!
|
|
|
How to apply for K2I: To apply please visit our website
www.keystoindependencefl.org and complete the electronic application. The application will be reviewed within 30 calendar days. Applications are not considered complete until copies of relevant documentation have been submitted. Placement and case status will be verified through the Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN) system. Once the application is processed an email will be sent out with status of application.
|
|
|
Did you know that Keys to Independence
has Outreach Specialists in your area?
|
|
The Keys to Independence team wants to make sure that everyone in Florida is aware of our program; therefore we have partnered with a team of Outreach Specialists from Educate Tomorrow throughout the state. This team is available to do presentations, answer questions and assist with any other needs related to the program. We have Chelsea serving circuits 1, 2 and 14, Michael serving circuits 3, 4, 7 and 8, Shavon serving circuits 11, 15 and 17, Racqui serving circuits 5, 16 and 19, Althea serving circuits 10, 12 and 20. Feel free to reach out to your local Outreach Specialist if help is needed.
|
|
Youth Green Light Spotlight
Keys to Independence would like to recognize some of the young adults that advocated for the program to become permanent with the Florida Legislature. Without them, this may not have been possible. A big THANK YOU to Florida Youth Shine members Esperanza Harb, Chelsea Bramblett, Anna Zhang and Logyn Robinson.
CBC Green Light Spotlight
This quarter, K2I is pleased to recognize Brevard Family Partnership (BFP) for being the CBC agency with the most drivers’ licenses obtained. As of March, 8 2017 BFP have supported 67% of their youth in obtaining a drivers’ license and 50% in obtaining a learner’s permit. We hope to continue to see this positive growth and many more youth with driver licenses. They have done a great job as advocates for youth getting their permits and driver’s licenses!
Driving School Green Light Spotlight
This quarter we would like to give a shout out to A Treasure Coast Driving School in Stuart, FL. John and Kendall Bolen are a great team! They have helped us tremendously with the youth we send their way. The driving instructors are great with the youth in the program and they make sure they are taken care of. Keys to Independence is grateful to have A Treasure Coast Driving School to help with the behind the wheel training and the road tests. They make sure our youth are well-prepared to take the road test, which they offer at their multiple locations.
|
|
|
With K2I becoming permanent, we've had lots of coverage in the news. Check out some of the great articles we've been featured in across Florida.
|
|
|
We have outreach specialists all over Florida, speaking with Case Managers, Guardians ad Litem, Independent Living Coordinators, Foster Parents, Residential Providers, youth in foster care and other stakeholders to discuss the benefits of helping youth enroll in Keys to Independence.
Our team is grateful for the hospitality as every organization worked to get the word out to eligible youth. Keys to Independence is closely working with each youth on their own individual journeys to obtain their learner’s permits and driver’s licenses.
If your agency or group is interested in hosting a training session, please contact your local outreach specialist.
|
|
|
4001 Pelee St. Orlando, FL 32817 | 321-441-2210
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
