The Kruks/Tilsner Transitional Living Program is a 24-bed residence, where youth can stay for up to 18 months. Located at the Gay & Lesbian Center's McDonald/Wright Building, the program is designed for youth ages 18 - 23. Through the Transitional Living Program, youth, who might otherwise have nowhere to turn, are provided meals, housing, clothing, medical care, counseling and case management. Art classes and other social/recreational activities are also made available for residents. Youth are encouraged to be enrolled in school or employed. If employed, the Gay & Lesbian Center collects 80 percent of their income, with case managers going over personal finance and budget information with the youth, then returning the money to them when they are ready to leave the program and begin independent living. Upon completion of the program, Youth Services staff assist program participants in establishing independent living skills. Youth are assisted in finding housing and finding furniture and other household items for their first apartment. Aftercare is also available to youth who have left the program. The Transitional Living Program has established a strong reputation for providing excellent and unique services to homeless youth. For the past two years the program has received the Alliance of Homeless Americans' Most Outstanding Youth Shelter Award. In addition to this consecutive award the program also received the Most Outstanding Residential Manager Award. To contact the Kruks/Tilsner Transitional Living Program, call Location L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center
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