Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is proud to work alongside the LIFE Skills Foundation to support young adults transitioning out of foster care. Based in Durham, LIFE Skills provides safe, stable housing and comprehensive services to support the journey to independence. Blue Cross NC has been honored to partner with LIFE Skills to expand its footprint at properties in Orange and Wake counties. 

In most cases, young adults transition out of foster care at 18 years old, and LIFE Skills’ work is so important because former foster youth can face unique challenges. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 31% of youth transitioning out of foster care in North Carolina did not have stable housing by age 21.

From career guidance to therapy to cooking classes, LIFE Skills helps bridge the knowledge and experience gaps that many youth transitioning out of foster care experience and paves the way for success. As LIFE Skills participant Lucas O. said, “Having Life SKILLS showed that there are people and what it’d look like to have somebody who really has the best interests for you and who really wants to get work done with you.”

LIFE Skills is a powerful example of the impact that Blue Cross NC’s partnerships have in communities across the state. Since 2019, Blue Cross NC has invested more than $4.3 million in partnerships, programs and initiatives to support children, youth and families involved with the child welfare system. The investments made in 49 organizations and representing work in every county respond to needs identified in North Carolina communities and increase the reach of homegrown solutions.

Supporting children and families and providing opportunities for youth transitioning out of foster care are part of Blue Cross NC’s commitment to building a stronger, healthier state. Learn more about our work at https://www.bluecrossnc.com/featured/foster-care-initiative.