New Philadelphia, Ohio (WJER) - Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services officials are drawing attention to a program that helps foster kids integrate into adult life. 

Children’s Social Services Supervisor Lisa Wodkowski says the Bridges to Success program offers support services like housing, insurance, college enrollment and financial assistance to aged-out foster children that have not yet turned 21.

“It’s a network that can connect them with potential housing, employment opportunities, how to complete a resume, connect them with OhioMeansJobs, getting them connected with a doctor or a counselor,” she explains.

Wodkowski says once a client enrolls in the program, they will meet monthly with a caseworker who can guide them through the steps to becoming self-sufficient in the real world. 

“They create with that worker a voluntary agreement, that these are the things that I need help with, and these are the things I want to work on,” she says. “It’s kind of developed amongst the young adult and the coordinator.” 

Wodkowski says anyone locally who has recently aged out of foster care can contact her at the New Philadelphia JFS office at 330-339-7791 to get connected with a Bridges worker. 

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