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Description
The Symbios deals with the problem of the transition of young adults from Children''s homes to independent life. It wants to show that the combination of certitude given by shared living, the possibility of relationships or integration into the labor market will lead the target group (TG) to take responsibility for their own lives. The aim of the project is to increase social capital of the TG, what will lead to autonomy and ability to define own needs and participation in finding solutions to fulfill them. This will also set the share-living model as a suitable tool for solving the issue at the system level.
The goal of the project is:
1. To increase the autonomy of the target group, its position in society and on the labor market thanks to the strengthening of: a) social capital (by connecting with students) b) human capital (thanks to intensive individual mentoring and targeted self-development activities) c) economic capital (thanks to affordable housing and adaptation to the labor market).
2. In cooperation with partners and project participants, analyze and define the specific needs of the target group, based on which we create a methodology for working with TG and set up an effective tool for shared housing both in terms of personnel and content.
3. Authorize and train advocacy workers who will be able to spread similar activities in other places and promote changes in systemic care during the transition of young people from Children''s homes to independent living.
4. By the end of the project implementation, increase the capacity and sustainability of the Symbios project and the functioning of the registered EcoIncubator institute.
Summary of project results
Young adults leaving children''s homes or substitute families face substantial challenges, including finding housing, securing employment, and building social connections. Limited finances, deficient social skills, the absence of support networks, and inadequate education often compound these difficulties. National data confirms these issues, with a significant portion of homeless individuals under 26 having prior experience in child institutions, and a quarter of young adults from children''s homes involved in criminal activities (Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Conference Proceedings, 2015, p. 17). These challenges are also subjectively felt, with many identifying the need for employment and housing.
The Symbios project aims to address these issues through shared housing, peer support, mentoring, and assistance tailored to the target group''s needs.
Symbios Shared Housing provides 2+1 apartments in Brno''s city center, with each unit accommodating a young adult and a university student. The project began in July 2019 after students and young individuals chose roommates during an adaptation week in February 2019. The project manager, two mentors, and an advisor have been available since initial roommate contact. Regular community meetings and consistent mentor interactions with young people have been integral. The Symbios Shared Housing Methodology, developed with the evaluation team, was completed in May 2020. An analysis of the initial situation and reference group was conducted in fall 2019. The project recognizes the need for sustained effort in managing changes brought about by shared living.
A1. Strengthening the Non-Profit Organization: Activity A1 aimed at enhancing the non-profit organization, EkoInkubator. It involved team training in leadership, marketing, community engagement, social media, and fundraising. Originally allocated training funds were redirected to create a new role, the project/financial manager, to secure project financing during challenging periods. The team also benefited from methodical and team supervision to stabilize roles and enhance their professional work with the target group. This activity significantly improved the team''s skills and the overall strength of the organization.
A3. Individual Mentoring and Psychotherapeutic Work: In this activity, individual mentoring and psychotherapeutic support were provided to the target group. Mentors built trust and encouraged clients towards autonomy, avoiding solving their issues but aiding them in finding their solutions. This approach led to an observable shift in clients'' willingness to address problems independently, though not necessarily in a linear fashion. Increased trust and independence among clients were noted as they gradually took the initiative.
A5. Self-Development Activities and Education: Planned self-development activities and education were intended to empower students and the target group to engage in public discussions about the challenges young adults face when transitioning to independent living. Some activities were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but a workshop on the development of the target group did take place. An active client still involved in the project delivered presentations on the project and related issues within her job.
A9. Development of Advocacy Workers: The strategy for developing advocacy workers was revised, and a platform was established to unite organizations working with the target group. This platform facilitates advocacy activities for one year, including regular meetings and lobbying for legislative changes. The platform''s efforts aim to improve conditions and prospects for young adults during their transition to independent living, making a meaningful impact in this critical life phase.
We helped 13 young adults from children''s homes better prepare for their first steps into independent living and acquire competencies crucial for this transition (greater independence, willingness to take responsibility for their lives, problem-solving skills, understanding that rent and utilities come at a cost, etc.). In situations where they faced significant challenges, we provided support. At the same time, we allowed them to determine what a good life meant to them, what they wanted, and how to achieve it. We also assisted the students - they had the opportunity to explore their own topics during mentorship meetings or psychotherapy sessions (always conducted by external professionals, never by our team), experience shared living, and get to know the target group, its struggles, and strengths.
Both groups gained competencies related to group dynamics - the community addressed various issues (pets, community garden, waste disposal, floor cleaning), and although the path to solutions wasn''t always straightforward, they learned a great deal from this communal experience. So, we directly helped 26 young people. Additionally, our project team underwent significant personal growth - supervisory sessions helped us identify our strengths and weaknesses (establishing boundaries in our work and with the target group, different interpretations of project goals, etc.), and finding effective team dynamics was very beneficial.
Understanding the target group also resulted in substantial progress, particularly among mentors who, thanks to their education and methodological supervision, significantly enhanced their competencies in working with the target group. After the project ended, we faced a financial crisis that forced us to rethink the project''s sustainability in a different way.
Lastly, the project''s impact is connected to its dissemination and advocacy efforts towards the general public. The project received several awards (such as the SozialMarie Prize for social innovation), was highlighted among projects promoted by Brno (in the form of a comic), featured in numerous articles, and had numerous appearances on television and radio. However, we consider our most important contribution to be the creation of a platform that has been actively engaged in advocacy work for several months.