Independent Living Support Program
From support in childhood to independent life
For more than ten years, through Music of Hope we have walked alongside children and young people growing up in challenging circumstances as they learn, perform, build self-confidence and discover their potential.
But what happens when they grow up?
What happens when school ends, when the everyday support of adults disappears, or when a young person is left alone to face major life decisions?
Some young people at that stage need only advice and encouragement. Others need far more. Some lose their parents, some are left without a safe home, or grow up in circumstances that do not offer enough stability to take the first steps towards independent life on their own. They often have talent, strength and potential, but not yet the experience, the support network or the life skills needed to carry the weight of adult life alone.
How does the program work?
One year, five key areas
The program helps young people at risk turn the security and potential they have built through Music of Hope into an independent life, responsibility and a contribution to their community.
01
A safe home
Stable conditions for living, learning and growing.
02
Circle of support
Mentors, school, community and trusted adults.
03
Personal development plan
Education, employment, financial independence and life skills.
04
Independence Academy
10 modules covering the key areas of independent life.
05
Independence and leadership
Young people develop the ability to run their own lives and become active members of the community.
From support to independence. From independence to leadership.
Why we started it
No crisis should cut a young life short
The program grew out of our work with young people who, at exactly that moment, most need a secure foothold. When life brings a heavy loss or a major change, the goal is not only to provide temporary housing security and a safe place for a new beginning, but to prevent one hard circumstance from cutting short a young person’s development — so that they do not drop out of school, lose a chance at employment, lose the support of their community or give up on their plans.
More than an apartment
At first glance it may look like a housing program for young people at risk. But the apartment is only the beginning: the real goal is for a young person to learn to run their own life.
- running a household and a budget
- finding and keeping a job
- making decisions and healthy relationships
- responsibility for one’s own future
Independence Academy
10 steps towards independence
Each step builds the knowledge, security and support needed for independent life — from financial literacy and employment to healthy relationships, leadership and planning life after the program.
01
Independent living
02
Running a household
03
Managing money
04
Finding and keeping a job
05
Building healthy relationships
06
Making good decisions
07
Self-care
08
Getting by in everyday life
09
Supporting others
10
Planning for the future
Many young people at risk grow up hearing what they cannot do. Our goal is for them to learn everything they can.
Why this matters
The greatest challenge is not just finding a job or a place to live, but building the inner sense that you can make decisions, plan your future and shape your own life. That is why, alongside life skills, the program builds responsibility, self-confidence and leadership.
Circle of support
No one becomes independent entirely alone
With each participant we build their circle of support: mentors, teachers, friends, community members and other trusted adults. We believe a sense of belonging matters just as much as a roof over one’s head.
From receiving support to supporting others
Participants gradually become a support to the younger children of Music of Hope through mentoring, volunteering and shared activities. When a young person realises their experience can help someone else, independence grows into leadership.
Our vision
Independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone
We believe every young person deserves the chance to build a stable, dignified and independent life. Independence means knowing how to make decisions, ask for help when it is needed and take responsibility for your own life.
Get involved
Help make sure no life crisis cuts short a young person’s development
Individual donations
We launched this program thanks to our monthly donors. Your support will be one of the bricks holding up the walls of our participants’ new home.
Sponsorship packages for companies
Support 1 of the 10 modules or a full one-year program for one family, with employee engagement activities.