Independent Living Services

Western Kentucky University's Training Resource Center strives to offer independent living services to youth in out of home care and those who have aged out of the system. These services include information about resources available to youth in care, those transitioning to independence and those who have aged out of care, opportunities for youth to network with their peers and a chance to advocate for foster youth with out of home care staff, foster/adoptive parents and community partners.

These services include four key program areas: The Voices of the Commonwealth Youth Council, Regional KYRISE events, the annual Youth Empowerment Conference, and the KYRISE Mentor program.

Voices of the Commonwealth Youth Leadership Council (VOC)

The VOC is comprised of Kentucky foster care youth and alumni aged 16-23 and is instrumental in communicating to foster/adoptive parents, out of home care staff and community partners the issues and needs of youth in care and those who have aged out of the system. The group also advocates for change to the child welfare system to lead to more positive outcomes for youth in care. If you're interested in becoming a member of the VOC please complete the VOC application.

Krystal Carver-Dickens West Independent Living Coordinator P: 270.943.7124 E: krystal.carverdickens@wku.edu	Ally Holtrey East Independent Living Coordinator E:ally.holtrey@wku.edu	Cailey Charles-Williams VOC Co-Chair E: cailey.martin@wku.edu	Lexie Partee VOC Member E: alexis.partee259@topper.wku.edu
Savannah Cavitt VOC Member E: savannah.cavitt508@topper.wku.edu	Christina Mangrum VOC Member E: christina.mangrum@wku.edu	Kamya Surrell VOC Member E: kamya.surrell205@topper.wku.edu

Regional KYRISE Events

Kentucky Resources for Independence Success and Empowerment (KYRISE) hosts educational and recreational regional events for youth in foster care aged 14-21. Events have included swimming, bowling, skating, movies and more! Information about resources for a successful transition from care to independence is also presented and shared with youth participants by VOC members.

All events are free to youth in foster care and their chaperones.

Upcoming KYRISE Events

Annual Youth Empowerment Conference

An annual conference is hosted for youth throughout the state to provide opportunities to network with peers, attend workshops designed to prepare youth for successful independence, tour the campus and learn about college life, meet and learn more about community partners and organizations and have a great time! Previous conferences were hosted at the University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University, Northern Kentucky University, Marriott Griffin Gate Lexington, Ramada Plaza Louisville, and Four Points by Sheraton Lexington.

The Youth Empowerment Conference is free to youth and their chaperones.

The 2025 Youth Empowerment Conference will be hosted June 10-11, 2025, at the Holiday Inn University Plaza, Bowling Green. Registration opens April 2025!

KYRISE Mentor Program

The KYRISE Mentor Program is focused on providing teens in care, aged 14-17 years old, with additional adult supports. Community members aged 21 years and older are required to pass a background check and complete training to understand the needs of a young person in care and how to navigate being a supportive adult. Mentors and mentees are matched based on interests, goals, and location and matches are supervised by our staff.

The KYRISE Mentor Program is currently piloting in the Two Rivers region, serving teens in the counties of Allen, Barren, Butler, Daviess, Edmonson, Hancock, Hart, Henderson, Logan, McLean, Metcalfe, Monroe, Ohio, Simpson, Union, Warren, & Webster, with plans to expand soon.

Interested in mentoring a teen in care? Apply here.

Would you like to refer a teen to the program? Find our referral form here.

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