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Independent Living Program
Independent Living Program (ILP)
Life skills training, stipends, and hands-on support to help current and former Yolo County foster youth, ages 14–21, become self-sufficient.
Eligibility must be confirmed by a Social Worker or Attorney before a youth can enroll in ILP.
Who Can Join
- •Current Yolo County foster youth, ages 14–21
- •Youth adopted or placed in guardianship at age 14 who have not yet turned 21
- •Out-of-county foster youth, age 16+, residing in Yolo County, who are a current dependent or were adopted/placed in guardianship at 16
View full eligibility info
Stipends & Support
Real support for the road to independence
In exchange for positive participation, ILP provides financial and material support alongside life-skills training.
Monthly Stipends
Up to $25 earned per class attended, up to $100 per month.
College Support
A new laptop provided upon enrolling in college.
Housing Assistance
Help with security deposits, first month’s rent, and housing utility deposits and fees.
Transit Stipends
Monthly regional transit passes
Graduation Bonus
Earn a $500 bonus when you graduate from high school!
Peer Community & Fun Events
Connect with other youth through shared experiences, group activities like bowling and laser tag, and seasonal celebrations.
How to Apply
How to Join
- 1.Talk to Your Social Worker or Attorney
Let your Social Worker or Attorney know you’re interested in joining ILP. Since eligibility is confirmed on your behalf, they’re the ones who submit your information to get started.
- 2.Your Info Gets Submitted to ILP
Your Social Worker or Attorney contacts Ramiz Ali, the Yolo County HHSA ILP Coordinator, with your legal name (and previous dependency name, if applicable) and date of birth to confirm eligibility.
- 3.Join Weekly Zoom Meetings
Once enrolled, join ILP meetings on Zoom every Wednesday and Friday, 5:00–6:30 pm. Email Cherie Schroeder or Ramiz Ali to receive the meeting link.
Eligibility Details
Get Help
Build the skills to live on your own
ILP helps current and former foster youth build the life skills needed for independent living, backed by real support like stipends and a free laptop for college.
Locations & Hours
Yolo Health & Human Services Agency
Visit us in 137 North Cottonwood Street, Woodland, CA 95695
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About ILP
The Independent Living Program provides current and former foster youth with life-skills training and financial support designed to help them achieve self-sufficiency before and after leaving the foster care system.