SPIRIT OF SUCCESS INSTITUTE (SOSI)
providing long-term residential support to young adults
4KIDS Spirit of Success Institute (SOSI) provides long-term residential support to young adults aged 18-23 who are “aging out" of foster care. At 4KIDS Success Institute, we are much more than just a “safety net” to these young adults, who might otherwise end up homeless, unemployed, or in prison. The young adults of SOSI receive an array of services and support that takes up where foster care left off. In fact, SOSI creates a structured plan designed to meet the individual needs and career aspirations of each young adult. Through our relationships within the community, we build upon the unique strengths of each of the young adults and develop a strategic plan to help them to achieve their desired goals.
A wide array of ongoing classes, groups, and activities are available to help each young adult at 4KIDS SOSI. Some of the services provided include:
• Personalized Learning Plan
• Financial Management Training
• Life Skills Training
• Employment Planning
• Employability Skills Training
• Computer Labs
• Test Preparation Workshops
Strong, committed relationships are at the core of this project. Each young adult in the project has a pre-screened (FBI, FDLE, and local background check) adult mentor. The immediate and long-term benefits of a mentoring relationship are evidenced in research.
4KIDS Spirit of Success Institute utilizes a multi-level mentoring concept.
4KIDS SOSI Resident Advisor—a full-time staff person who lives at the residence and provides accountability and direction for the Institute participant. The Advisor meets weekly with the young adult to determine adherence to goals and provides encouragement and advice.
4KIDS SOSI Mentor—volunteers who commit to a minimum one year relationship with the young adult. These relationships are designed to match vocational and recreational interests in order to create an apprentice-like relationship. Mentors meet weekly or bi-weekly with young adults and stay in contact with the Resident Advisor to assist in compliance with established goals.
4KIDS SOSI Peer Mentor—a student who has successfully completed all areas of the Institute will mentor new young adults entering the Institute. This relationship is designed to foster positive peer influence and to assist the new resident in becoming accustomed to the Institute.
All Mentors make a minimum one-year commitment to invest one to two hours a week of face-to-face and/or telephone contact with the young adult. During this time they are devoted to all of the activities of a good mentor: listening, offering sound advice, providing insight and experience, lending moral support, acting as a bridge between the Spirit of Success Institute, the Director and the young adult.
For more information about 4KIDS Independant Living Program please email De Kelly.
View SOSI events photos on 4KIDS Facebook Fan Page.
For more information, please email info@4KIDSofsfl.org.