Offering independent living skills counseling and education to at-risk youth

Catholic Charities Support and Advocacy for Independent Living Program (SAIL) is a community-based service designed to provide a safe, confidential environment for youth, ages 16 to 21, to learn and practice essential life skills. This unique program helps teens and young adults transition from adolescence to adulthood primarily through group training for independent living.

Training and support for young people transitioning to adulthood

Catholic Charities SAIL Program assists qualifying youth who have experienced an out-of-home placement or other family disruption to face the challenges of living independently. A professional Independent Living Skills Counselor facilitates 13 weekly group sessions which utilize group discussions, guest
speakers, shared experiences, role playing, and experiential activities as well as group outings to address various life-skills topics. Click here for a complete listing.

Program conducts follow-up surveys to help youth track progress

A variety of measuring tools are used by Catholic Charities Support and Advocacy for Independent Living Program to ascertain the progress of its youthful clients. The Ansell-Casey Lifeskills Assessment is given at the onset and at the completion of the course in order to help the client (and Independent Living Skills Counselor) determine his/her level of independence and self-sufficiency.

An Exit Survey is also given upon completion of the program; it collects current contact information and uncovers the client's level of satisfaction with SAIL's services. Life skills such as communications, finances, relationships, self-care and more are measured.

Eligibility, Fees, Referrals

Youth, age 16 to 21 years old, living in Anoka, Benton, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, or Wright counties may participate in the program. Referring county social services agencies may use the following online SAIL Admission Forms.

Funding sources

Funding for the SAIL Program is made available through Federal Title IV-E-IL funds granted by the Minnesota Department of Human Services: Family and Children's Services Divisions.

Support and Advocacy for Independent Living (SAIL)

• Home Page
• Independent Living Skills Counselors
• Topics addressed
• Areas assessed
• Brochure (PDF)
• Admission Forms
• Current Groups
• Related Links
• News


• Map to SAIL office
• Map to St. Cloud group meetings at Catholic Charities St. Cloud Children's Home
• Map to Monticello group meetings
• Map to Anoka group meetings