PHILIPSBURG:--- The K1 Britannia Foundation recently started an independent living workshop series with foster teenagers to better prepare them for their transition out of the foster care system at age eighteen. The workshops will be organized throughout the year and are aimed to fill the void that normally parents fill when preparing their kids for life on their own and the challenges and the needs they would face.
The first 3 hour workshop, covering budgeting was held for 8 teenagers from the I can and New Start Foster Homes. The workshop was conducted by Mr. Benjamin of New Start Foster Home and covered the topics of budgeting, tax and rent.
Cost of living were first discussed to give the teenagers an idea on what it really means to live on their own and having various bills to pay, many were surprised. He urged the need to balance income and expenses to avoid debt. He also discussed how to set up a budget with various categories and explained that the more detailed the budget the better for adjustments. The teenagers were then split in two groups of four and given two different scenarios to decide on what salary they would need and tasked on making their own budget. Each group presented their budget and were given advice on how to improve and are now better prepared to take on this aspect in the real world on their own. The teenagers found the workshop eye opening and helpful.
K1 Britannia Foundation would like to thank Mr. Benjamin for taking time out and giving this important workshop. If you have or know professionals that can help pass on valuable independent living skills to youths that do not have the guidance, please contact the foundation via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
