What is the Connected Youth Initiative (CYI)?

The Connected Youth Initiative seeks to build Connected Youth Communities and collaborations across rural Nebraska to help unconnected young people with experience in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, those struggling with homelessness, pregnant/parenting or who are disconnected from a family structure.

The Connected Youth Initiative (CYI) is youth driven and utilizes community resources to improve youth opportunities and networks for housing, transportation, health care, connections to peer and adult supports, educational attainment, employment, career pathways, and financial empowerment.

Who are unconnected youth?

Young people, aged 14 to 25, without permanent and supportive family connections; that live in Madison, Pierce, Stanton and Wayne county and have any of the following lived experiences:

  • Spent at least (1) day in foster care / child welfare system
  • Transitioned or near transition from Juvenile Justice / Probation
  • Are homeless or near homeless (e.g., “coach surfing”) or at-risk of homelessness
  • Runaway
  • Are pregnant and/or parenting
  • Are survivors of human trafficking/exploitation or at-risk of being trafficked/exploited
Enroll

What does CYI Offer?

Central Navigation

A single point of contact youth can go to when they need help. Our central navigator will connect with the right resources in our community.

Central Navigator: Jamie  |   (402) 640 2409 |    [email protected]

CYI Coaching

The PREPARATION, TRANSITION & INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES program is designed to provide you support and guidance with the challenges of becoming independent. A Specialist works with you one-on-one to help assess your strengths and abilities, as well as assist you in identifying your personal vision for becoming a successful independent adult.

Who is eligible for CYI Coaching:
  • Current and former Foster youth, ages 16-25, who spent at least one day in foster care after their 14th birthday.
  • Pregnant and/or parenting young adults, ages 16-25, and that are unconnected from permanent family support.
  • Young people, ages 24 and under who are currently experiencing homelessness, are within 14 days of becoming homeless, or are fleeing violence.
  • Young people, ages 14-25, who are at risk of or currently experiencing trafficking

3D Youth Leadership

An opportunity to find youth their voice and grow as a person! A chance to be a leader in our community, make friends with others that have gone through similar experiences, and help make change happen.

Youth input can help make the system better for younger youth.

Opportunity Passport (OPP)

A financial literacy training and savings match program that is a part of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation (NCFF) and Connected Youth Initiative (CYI) Coaching. OPP helps young people with financial knowledge, connect to banking products and community resources, and provide guidance for building wealth such as asset purchases like vehicles or education. With the supportive services of CYI Coaching along with the financial literacy training the aim is to increase economic well-being and unlock access to opportunities for young people.

Please note: Space in the CYI Coaching program and oPP matching funds for asset purchases are limited and not guaranteed.