TOLEDO, Ohio — A transitional house in Toledo is doing what it can to redirect youth in foster care or the juvenile justice system toward independent living.
Leaders with Gateway Youth Development say more than 50 young people have taken advantage of the transitional programs over the past two years.
John Tooson says he grew up in Toledo on welfare and knows the hardships of it and the importance of leadership for the next generation.
"The earlier that you can reach these young men, and they can actually get mentors to show them there are alternative ways to deal with arguments and situations and how to actually build a plan for their lives," he said.
Tooson is the behavioral director for the Gateway and said the program can help reduce the number of teens in the juvenile justice system.
"We have seen great success," he said. "Young men enrolling in college and actually going for skilled trade."
Ka'Trice Perry, Gateway's executive director, has noticed the impact the organization, located at 1320 Madison Ave., is making and how it has redirected the lives of dozens of young people over the last two years.
"Instead of arresting a child and instead of them (going) to juvenile detention, they can come here and learn these skills, the important things that they'll need to learn to live on their own and be successful members of the community," Perry said.
She says the programming helps youth between the ages of 14 to 22.
"We have some of our kids that have gone on and completed the program," Perry said. "We have some that are currently at Toledo Early College (High School), we have some that are currently (state tested nurse aides), some that are currently getting driver's license to become truck drivers."
The program started in Toledo in 2018 to create better outcomes for teens.
"The youth that we serve are coming to us from foster care and juvenile justice," Perry said. "They already are suffering and struggling with mental health challenges, behavioral issues, education, employment, and stability and housing once they turn 18."
Helping the youths means helping prepare them for adult life.
"What we try to do and what we work with is to tap into their greatness and actually have them build a strategy to move forward in life," Tooson said.
For both Tooson and Perry, the work they do is a labor of love.
"It was really like we're creating a family, and not just the program, because years later we're still in touch and we're still supporting each other," Perry said. "Not only do they get programs and services from 14 to 22, it's really lifelong. That's what keeps me going and that's what gives me joy."
For more information about Gateway Youth Development, click here.