The Oatis Children's Center (OCC) is celebrating the remarkable achievement of its program participants who have successfully completed the PAYA Program. The PAYA program, also known as Preparing Adolescents for Young Adulthood, is a comprehensive life skills curriculum designed to equip youth with the necessary skills and relationships to thrive as young adults.

The core belief of PAYA is that every young person needs at least one stable and caring adult connection in order to sustain these life skills. Through community-based, real-life experiences, the program covers a wide range of essential topics such as money management, personal care, job seeking, parenting, healthy relationships, and housing.

At OCC, eight program participants demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment by completing the assigned modules within a period of 3 to 4.5 months. Throughout their journey, they have learned valuable lessons on saving money, fostering positive relationships, cooking, and effective teamwork.

Juanita Hall, a Residential Supervisor at Oatis Children's Center, played a significant role in the success of these participants. Selected as this year's PAYA Instructor, Juanita not only motivated the kids to complete the modules but also completed them alongside them. Her dedication and hard work made the learning experience enjoyable and engaging for the participants.

Curtis applauds Juanita's exceptional efforts and the impact she has had on the program participants. This accomplishment is truly remarkable and serves as a testament to the genuine commitment of the OCC staff in preparing these youth for a successful transition into adulthood.

By providing these youth with essential life skills and encouraging meaningful connections, OCC is playing a vital role in empowering them to thrive as they embark on their journey into young adulthood.