Youth in Transition, Making a Difference and more!

Adoption Option Inc.’s Youth in Transition (YIT) program supports young people as they step into adulthood by offering guidance, life skills development, and access to resources they need to thrive. The program serves youth ages 14-23 who were placed in foster care after their 14th birthday, helping them grow in confidence, independence, and hope for the future.

At the heart of the program is the YIT specialist along with caring mentors who offer encouragement, consistency, and a trusted adult presence. They walk alongside each young person, helping with

goal-setting, decision-making, and everyday life skills — while reminding them that they are seen, valued, and capable. The YIT Specialist plays an essential role by coordinating services, staying connected with youth, and ensuring participants receive consistent support and resources as they move toward independence.

Adoption Option Inc. is proud to invest in the potential of these young adults. With the continued support of our community and partners, the Youth in Transition program is changing lives and creating pathways to brighter futures.

We provide a Youth In Transition (YIT) program that offers mentoring services designed to assist youth (ages 14-23) get ready for independence into adulthood after foster care ends. We recruit mentors to help guide youth and to advocate for them in areas such as independent living skills, conflict resolution, problem solving and other important areas.

“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living — if you do it well I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” — Denzel Washington

Mentoring can:

Increase high school graduation rates
Lower high school dropout rates
Increase healthier relationships and lifestyle choices
Foster a positive attitude about school
Increase college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations
Enhance self-esteem and self-confidence
Improve behavior, both at home and at school
Strengthen relationships with parents, foster parents, teachers and peers
Improve interpersonal skills
Decrease the likelihood of initiating drug and alcohol use

Interested in Being a Mentor for Youth in the YIT Program? Contact us at info@aoicw.org.

Building Lifelong Relationships

through Mentorship

During my time working with youth, I have learned that sometimes the most meaningful progress does not come from grand gestures, but from simply being present. I had the opportunity to work with a 20-year-old young man who, despite having a genuinely kind heart, carried a tremendous amount of inner turmoil related to his family and his siblings. Opening up about those feelings did not come easily for him, and for a long time, he kept much of that pain locked away.

From the beginning, my role with him was not to fix or force anything, but to listen—without judgment—and to consistently show up with an open ear and an open heart. I wanted him to know that support did not come with conditions, expectations, or timelines. It simply came with care. Read More.

Over the holiday season, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy helped brighten the lives of our foster youth through a generous donation. Their support brought joy, warmth, and a meaningful sense of community. We are grateful for their commitment to children and families! Click the video below to view.