On Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 @ 4:00 pm The Independent Living Mentoring Program staff Stacie Clerkin and Emily Gerew delivered a presentation at The Guidance Center’s board meeting. The Independent Living Mentoring program supports and mentors youth ages of 14-23 who reside in McKean County and would like support with life skills to be independent young adults. Youth must be co-enrolled in McKean County’s Independent Living program.
Emily, the mentor assists youth to explore topics such as academic support, budget & financial management, career preparation, employment programs/ vocational training, family support & healthy marriage education, health education & risk prevention, housing education & home management training, independent living needs assessment, mentoring, post-secondary educational support, and supervised independent living.
Lily Deane and Haley Leet two participants in the program presented at the board meeting. Lily and Haley provided testimony to their achieved goals and successes due to the support provided from their Independent Living mentor. Lily is set to graduate from PennWest Edinboro this May with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, minor in criminal justice, and a mental health technician certificate. Lily is the student government parliamentarian, president of peer educators, president of circle K club, and secretary of psych club. Lily works at the IT help desk on campus and works as a peer educator in the wellness center. Lily is currently completing an internship with Erie County Juvenile Probation. Lily plans to work and support youth in her future endeavors.
Haley has 63 college credits and is employed at School Street Elementary as a paraprofessional. Haley plans to continue her secondary education to obtain a teaching degree in the future. Haley has successfully supported herself independently for the last three years while continuing her education and raising her two corgi’s. Haley plans to work and support youth in her future endeavors.