Latest news with #JaymeCatalano
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Foundations For Success: Former Foster Youth Pioneering Pathways To Independence Through Innovative Support
Written by Jayme Catalano, Director of Communications, First Place for Youth A new study evaluating San Francisco's "Foundations for the Future" guaranteed income pilot program is revealing both significant challenges and promising opportunities for young adults transitioning from foster care. While many participants face housing insecurity and financial hurdles, this innovative approach providing $1,200 monthly payments represents a potential turning point in how we support youth building independent lives. The program's comprehensive evaluation offers valuable insights for creating more effective support systems that can empower former foster youth to achieve stability and success. Photo courtesy of First Place for Youth The March 2025 Chapin Hall study of San Francisco's "Foundations for the Future" guaranteed income pilot program paints a troubling picture of life after foster care. The program provides monthly payments of $1,200 to young people who recently aged out of extended foster care, yet the baseline data reveals persistent struggles: 70% of participants frequently worry about paying bills, 40% experienced homelessness in the past year, and 70% face food insecurity. These aren't just statistics; they represent real young people attempting to build independent lives without the family safety nets most take for granted. The study follows 150 young adults who aged out of San Francisco's extended foster care system after January 2022, capturing a comprehensive snapshot of their circumstances before receiving guaranteed income payments. "What strikes me is that most of these youth are eligible for CalFresh but not all are taking advantage of this resource," notes Matt Levy, Vice President of Evaluation and Learning at First Place for Youth, an organization providing housing and support services to former foster youth. "It also speaks to the need for effective financial literacy supports, given how many youth are struggling with bills and past debt." The finding that 40% of study participants experienced homelessness within the past year should alarm policymakers and child welfare advocates alike. This statistic becomes even more concerning when considering that 28% reported not having enough money to pay rent, and 22% reported staying in unsafe housing situations because they couldn't afford to move. Transitional Housing Program-Plus (THP-Plus), California's housing program for former foster youth ages 18-25, provides up to 36 months of housing and supportive services. However, the study results suggest that either current program capacity is insufficient or barriers to access remain substantial. THP-Plus offers more than just housing—it provides a supportive environment where young adults can develop independent living skills while pursuing education and employment goals. When properly implemented, it creates the stability necessary for youth to focus on building careers and financial security rather than merely surviving. But with 40% of former foster youth experiencing homelessness despite this program's existence, significant gaps clearly remain in the system. This only underscores the importance of supplementing programs like THP-Plus with new Guaranteed Income pilots like this one that aim to fill those gaps. The financial circumstances revealed in the study are equally troubling. Only 18% of participants reported being able to afford a $400 emergency expense. While 75% had bank accounts, nearly half of those had zero dollars in them. About half reported having debt, and among those with debt, 70% were behind on payments. "This highlights a critical gap in how we prepare young people for independent living," explains Levy. 'Financial literacy isn't just about understanding bank accounts—it's about building the skills to budget, save, manage credit, and plan for the future. Many former foster youth have rarely had role models to support them here.' Financial literacy for foster youth isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. Without family support networks to fall back on, even small financial setbacks can lead to catastrophic consequences including homelessness, food insecurity, and deteriorating mental health. The study found that 38% of participants didn't have enough money to pay a bill in full or on time in the past year, demonstrating how financial precarity permeates daily life for these young adults. Perhaps most concerning is the disconnect between need and resource utilization. While 70% of study participants were food insecure—and half reported not eating sometime during the past year because they couldn't afford food—only 27.3% were enrolled in CalFresh, California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This participation gap represents a significant missed opportunity. CalFresh can provide up to $250 monthly for groceries, which could substantially help to alleviate food insecurity among this population. The San Francisco guaranteed income pilot program represents an innovative approach to supporting former foster youth. Its $1,200 monthly payments may help address immediate financial needs, but the baseline data reveals that deeper, systemic interventions are also necessary. "These young people have already faced significant challenges in their lives," Levy reflects. 'Our systems should be designed to provide them with the support they need to thrive, not just survive.' As a society, we have both a moral obligation and practical interest in ensuring former foster youth have genuine opportunities for success. The economic and social costs of continued housing instability, financial insecurity, and food insecurity far outweigh the investments needed to provide effective support services. The Chapin Hall study should serve as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for addressing this invisible crisis before another generation of former foster youth falls through the cracks. Be sure to look for updates from Chapin Hall as they continue to evaluate the guaranteed income pilot program in San Francisco.
Forbes
02-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Evolution Of Work: How Gen Z Is Reshaping Leadership And Workplace Culture
Written by Jayme Catalano As Generation Z enters the workforce in growing numbers, they are bringing fresh perspectives and expectations that are reshaping the traditional workplace. This digital-native generation, born between 1997 and 2012, is driving significant changes in management styles, work environments, and organizational values. Their influence is prompting companies to adapt, evolve and innovate, creating a new paradigm for the future of work. First Place for Youth staff member Theresa Do (center) with My First Place™ program participants from Oakland, CA. Photo by Robbie Sweeny One of the most striking characteristics of Gen Z is their strong desire for purpose-driven work. A staggering 86% of Gen Zers see purpose as pivotal to their overall well-being and job satisfaction. This generation scrutinizes potential employers' societal impact before applying for jobs, with 75% considering this a key factor in their decision-making process. Thomas Lee, CEO of First Place for Youth, understands this well. 'At our organization, we've seen firsthand how important it is for Gen Z employees to feel connected to our mission of supporting foster youth,' Lee explains. 'They want to know that their work is making a tangible difference in people's lives.' To meet this expectation, companies are increasingly emphasizing their social responsibility initiatives and aligning their business practices with broader societal goals. This shift is not just about attracting talent; it's about creating a more engaged and motivated workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend towards flexible work arrangements, something that Gen Z particularly values. About 77% of Gen Zers consider work-life balance central to a successful career. This generation expects employers to care about their well-being, with 60% citing this as a crucial factor in job satisfaction. The pandemic has reshaped work norms, with remote and hybrid models becoming more common. 'We've had to adapt our operations to accommodate these new expectations, allowing our staff to work flexibly while still providing high-quality support to the youth we serve,' Lee notes. This shift towards flexibility is not just about where work happens, but when and how. Gen Z appreciates employers who focus on outcomes rather than rigid schedules, allowing for a better integration of work and personal life. As digital natives, Gen Z expects workplaces to be technologically advanced. They are comfortable with AI, automation, and digital collaboration tools, and they expect these to be seamlessly integrated into their work environment. First Place for Youth's Youth Roadmap Tool is an excellent example of how organizations can leverage technology to meet Gen Z's expectations while improving operational efficiency. 'Our AI-powered tool not only helps us provide better support to foster youth, but it also allows our Gen Z employees to work in a way that feels natural to them — data-driven, flexible, and impact-focused,' Lee explains. Gen Z has grown up in an era of increased awareness around mental health and trauma. The pandemic has further heightened this awareness, making trauma-informed care and mental health support crucial aspects of workplace culture. 'We've always practiced trauma-informed care in our work with foster youth,' Lee says. 'But we've found that applying these principles to our workplace culture has been beneficial for all our employees, especially our Gen Z staff who came of age during the pandemic.' Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health support, with many expanding their Employee Assistance Programs and implementing mental health days. This focus on employee well-being aligns well with Gen Z's holistic view of work and life. Gen Z is driving a shift in leadership styles, favoring more collaborative and empathetic approaches over traditional hierarchical models. They respond best to leaders who demonstrate emotional intelligence and genuinely care about their well-being. 'Over the past five years, we've adapted our leadership style to be more inclusive and transparent,' Lee reflects. 'Our Gen Z employees expect to be informed of decision-making processes and want regular feedback on their performance.' This shift is leading to flatter organizational structures, more frequent check-ins between managers and employees, and a greater emphasis on mentorship and professional development. Gen Z is the most diverse generation yet, and they expect their workplaces to reflect this diversity. They are more likely to seek out employers who demonstrate a genuine commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). 'DEI isn't just a buzzword for Gen Z – it's a fundamental expectation,' Lee notes. 'We've found that our efforts to create an inclusive workplace have not only attracted Gen Z talent but have also improved our overall organizational culture.' Companies are responding by implementing more robust DEI initiatives, from diverse hiring practices to inclusive leadership training and employee resource groups. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on Gen Z's entry into the workforce. Many started their careers remotely, shaping their expectations of work in unprecedented ways. This experience has accelerated trends towards digital transformation, flexible work arrangements, and a focus on employee well-being. 'The pandemic forced us to rethink how we operate,' Lee says. 'But many of the changes we've implemented, like our hybrid work model and increased use of digital tools, align well with Gen Z's preferences and are likely here to stay.' As we move forward, it's clear that Gen Z's influence on workplace culture will continue to grow. Their emphasis on purpose, flexibility, technology, mental health, and inclusion is reshaping the very nature of work. Organizations that can adapt to these changing expectations will be better positioned to attract, retain, and engage this dynamic generation of workers. The evolution of work driven by Gen Z is not just about accommodating a new generation; it's about creating more human-centric, purpose-driven, and technologically advanced workplaces that can benefit employees of all generations. As Thomas Lee and First Place for Youth have discovered, embracing these changes can lead to more innovative, engaged, and effective organizations.
