The Spirit of Success Institute (SOSI) provides long term residential support to young adults ages 18 - 23 who are “aging out’ of foster care.  We are much more than just a “safety net” at the Success Institute 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, the Success Institute 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 the Success Institute.  Some of the services provided include:

  •  Personalized Learning Plan/p>

  •  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:  The Spirit of Success Institute utilizes a multi-level mentoring concept.

1. Resident Advisor – a full time staff person who lives at the facility and provides accountability and direction for the Institute participant.   The Advisor meets with the young adult weekly to determine adherence to goals and provides encouragement and advice.
2. Community Mentor – community 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.  Community Mentors meet weekly or bi-weekly with young adults and stay in contact with the Resident Advisor to assist in compliance with established goals.
3. 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 Community Mentors make a minimum one-year commitment to invest one to two hours a week of face-to-face and/or telephone contact time 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.