In the challenging journey from foster care to independent living, having a dedicated support system can make all the difference. Kentucky Youth Advocates/True Up is at the forefront of creating positive change for young people, particularly those with a foster care background. To further this mission, we are actively seeking a passionate and committed individual to join our team as a part-time Peer Coach for the groundbreaking True Up initiative.

Role of a Peer Coach:
The Peer Coach position is designed to empower young adults aged 18-26 who have experienced foster care. The Peer Coach plays a crucial role in providing support to foster care alumni. The primary goal is to equip these individuals with the essential life skills needed for a successful transition from a structured environment to self-sufficiency within our community. The responsibilities of a Peer Coach are diverse and impactful, reflecting the multifaceted nature of supporting young people in their journey towards self-sufficiency.

A few examples of the day to day activities for this role include:

  • Connecting foster care alumni with local organizations and agencies to ensure they have access to necessary resources and assistance.
  • Empowering alumni to advocate for solutions that improve outcomes not only for themselves but also for their peers within the foster care system.
  • Providing support to Peer Network members during key holidays by organizing and hosting gatherings, fostering a sense of community and connection.
  • Reaching out to foster care alumni to offer support and assist them in navigating barriers to resources, ensuring they receive the help they need.
  • Attending training sessions to enhance interactions with foster care alumni, community partners, legislators, and advocates. Develop expertise in navigating community resources.
  • As well as practicing self-care and remaining vigilant for signs of secondary trauma, recognizing the importance of maintaining personal well-being in a demanding role.

Now, let’s hear firsthand from someone who has embraced the role of a Peer Coach, offering valuable insights into the transformative journey of supporting foster care alumni and empowering them to navigate the path towards self-sufficiency.

Impact of being a Peer Coach:
“The impact that being a Peer Coach has on the coach itself cannot be overstated. The ability to use my experience to help others gives purpose to my story. I often say that the bad things that happened to me were solely bad things- that was true until I became a peer coach. Now don’t get me wrong, the bad things still have an influence on my everyday life, and sometimes it can make my position more challenging with triggers around every turn. However, I do believe that I am meant to face these hardships head on, so that I can share how I did so with those that I serve. There is nothing like serving a young adult and helping them achieve a goal- knowing that you had a piece in making that happen, even if it was just as a supportive hand to hold. My clients happiness and success has become my happiness and success, therefore, I never stop seeing success. I look into the windows of the eyes of my younger self and know that I am doing justice for her by all these small victories with my clients.” – Cynthia Schepers, True Up Peer Coach Coordinator

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in foster care, KYA/True Up invite you to join their team as a Peer Coach. This role is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to be a beacon of support for those navigating the path to self-sufficiency. If you are interested in being part of a transformative initiative that is shaping the future for foster care alumni in Jefferson County, please fill out the application by December 15th!