EMPOWER is dedicated to providing foster youth with the tools and guidance needed to successfully navigate the transition into adulthood. Our Life Skills Training Facilitators, Ariel Cobbins and Jamie Humphrey play a crucial role in the Preparation for Adult Living (PAL) program, helping foster youth in Dallas build the confidence and skills they need to thrive beyond foster care. Their work is creating a lasting impact, offering foster youth the chance to enter adulthood with the support and resources they deserve.
A Program That Makes a Difference
For many foster youth, the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be daunting. The PAL program, led by Ariel and Jamie, is designed to bridge that gap. This program focuses on youth aged 16 to 18, covering everything from job readiness and housing to financial literacy and personal well-being. Since September 2023, the program has helped over 200 young people earn their certificate of completion and secure a Transitional Living Allowance (TLA) upon turning 18.
Making Learning Interactive and Engaging
When Ariel first started with the program, she quickly realized that traditional classroom-style learning wasn’t resonating with the teens. “We needed to bring the lessons to life,” she explained. That’s when she and Jamie began incorporating hands-on activities. Now, the teens go on bus trips downtown to learn how to navigate public transportation, engage in grocery shopping activities to practice budgeting, and even participate in yoga sessions to help manage stress.
The shift to interactive learning has paid off. “The goal is to engage them in real-world experiences,” Ariel said. “We want to give them the skills they need in a way that truly resonates.”
Building Partnerships for a Brighter Future
Ariel and Jamie have also forged key partnerships with local organizations like Dallas College and Frost Bank. These collaborations allow the PAL participants to attend college tours through Dallas College’s Hand in Hand program and take financial literacy classes from Frost Bank’s advisors. Jamie noted how crucial these partnerships are for the youth’s growth: “These experiences give our youth practical skills they can carry into adulthood, and we’ve seen incredible growth.”
Emotional Rewards
While equipping the youth with life skills is essential, Ariel and Jamie agree that the emotional rewards of their work are just as meaningful. “Watching them grow from 14 to 17 and preparing to graduate is something special,” Jamie shared. “We celebrate their achievements with a graduation party, and it’s a joy to be a part of their journey.”
The facilitators strive to create a safe, supportive environment where the teens can be themselves and feel comfortable opening up. Ariel shared, “They come in a little reserved, but by the end of the two-day training, they’re laughing, sharing their stories, and understanding that we’re here to help. It’s about more than teaching life skills—it’s about creating a space where they feel supported.”
Brighter Futures With Dedicated Guidance
Through their hard work and dedication, Ariel Cobbins and Jamie Humphrey are proving that with the right guidance, support, and resources, foster youth can thrive and enter adulthood ready to take on the world.
Check out this video featuring Ariel, a Life Skills Training Facilitator from EMPOWER, Matt, a Foster Care Program Advocate from Dallas College, and Marquita, a Program Specialist with the Texas Workforce Commission. They discuss the PAL program, its mission to equip youth with essential life skills, and why they are passionate about helping foster youth prepare for a successful transition into adulthood.
