Tempo Young Adult Resource Center recently celebrated its grand opening at 68 Henry Street in Framingham! Tempo is a one-stop center that houses multiple services and supports for young adults aged 17 to 24 as they transition into adulthood. A model of collaboration between local agencies, Tempo's services are provided by Wayside Youth and Family Support Network, Advocates, Inc., the Career Center of the Future Skills Institute, South Middlesex Opportunity Council, and the Framingham Community Health Center.

The creation of a young adult resource center began in 2005 when the MetroWest Mental Health and Substance Abuse Task Force identified young adults aging out of state custody as an at-risk, underserved population. Youth age out of state care systems between the ages of 18 and 22 when they are no longer eligible for services or they choose to leave. The Department of Social Services estimates that approximately 700 youth age out of the system each year, abruptly transitioning from
a supportive care system to unsupported independence. These youth are often unequipped with necessary life skills related to housing, employment, education, and health care, and frequently become involved in other public systems such as criminal justice, public assistance, and unemployment.

To address this issue, the task force received a planning grant from the MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation and proposed a multi-service resource center serviced by collaborating agencies. In 2006, the Foundation nominated the project for a Local Initiative grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Local Initiative Funding Partners Program provides grants for community-based health projects serving vulnerable populations that must be nominated and matched by local grantmakers. The project was selected as a semi-finalist in 2006 but ultimately not chosen for a grant. However, Local Initiative Funding Partners asked the group to reapply. After making changes to the project, including securing a site for the program, the group resubmitted their application. In 2007 they were awarded a grant of $493,000, one of only 12 Local Initiative grants awarded nationally. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant is matched locally by the MetroWest Community Health Care Foundation, Carlisle Foundation, Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, and United Way of Tri-County.

Tempo serves young adults who face challenges in transitioning into adulthood such as mental health conditions, a lack of family connections, or substance abuse. Youth work closely with staff transition facilitators to identify their needs and develop independent living goals. To help achieve these goals, youth have on-site access to comprehensive services including mental health and substance abuse treatment, employment services, health education and assessment, legal advocacy, and housing search support. Tempo provides a safe and comfortable space for youth to socialize, study, or even do laundry while receiving services. Youth are actively involved in Tempo's operations through participation in the Young Adult Advisory Council and by serving as paid peer outreach and administrative interns. The Advisory Council named the center "Tempo" for its similar meaning in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. For more information about Tempo, visit www.tempoyarc.org.