“Never giving up means empowering each individual to find hope in themselves in order to lead a successful and happy life, no matter how long it takes.” -Amy Coy, the Beyond the Walls Program Coordinator.
Beyond the Walls is a Shiloh House and Chafee partnership program that works with individuals between the ages of 14 and 26 who are aging out of the foster care system and in need of guidance and support in order to be successful in life. With the community partnerships, resources, and life coaches that Beyond the Walls offers, youth are given opportunities that can provide a path towards the promising life they deserve. It isn’t always easy to earn trust from the young adults entering the program, but once they feel the nurture, care, and support our coaches have to give, things turn around. As coaches build trust and provide support to Beyond the Walls youth, life gets a little easier.
When a young person comes to Beyond the Walls for the first time, our coaches don’t open an individual’s case file. They intentionally get to know the person themselves instead of being influenced by what is on paper. Coaches keep their ears open and mouths closed, giving each individual their own chance to let the coach know who they are and where they want to go in life. At Shiloh House, we feel it’s important to meet youth where they are, and show that no judgment will be made by coaches and staff. Listening with the intent to understand is imperative because most youth we meet just want to be heard and receive the support and nurture they’re longing for.
Beyond the Walls is all about empowering youth for greatness. Mentors, coaches, and life-long relationships make that possible.