PAL S.M.A.R.T.

PAL S.M.A.R.T.
(Start Making A Responsible Transition)

In 2002, Azleway created the PAL S.M.A.R.T. program to serve young adults (ages 18-21) who have recently left foster care, or are in the process of gaining independence. PAL S.M.A.R.T. is designed to help our young clients to become self-sufficient, with training on budgets and money management, career prep., health education, housing assistance, and educational support.

Azleway Case Managers work with clients in 23 counties in order to access available benefits, such as continued Medicaid coverage; Tuition and Fee Waivers; Transitional Living Allowance; Aftercare Room and Board; and the Education and Training Voucher program. In some cases, the clients are eligible for additional grant money to achieve their goals.

A key element of PAL S.M.A.R.T. is the Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan; a “road map” as the client works with the Case Manager to identify his/her needs and goals, then determines the best steps to reach those milestones. Whether the goal is completing an application for employment or a college financial aid application, learning to communicate with a property manager or a utility company representative, or being able to manage funds in a wise manner—hearing the words “I know how to …”or “ I did it!” is the biggest indicator of success.

For more information about PAL S.M.A.R.T., contact Kim Norman (link to kim.norman@azleway.org) at 903-834-3228.