Helping Young Adults Build Skills for Independent, Successful Lives

LifeSet is an evidence-based program for young-adults aging out of foster care.

Supporting Youth Leaving Foster Care or Facing Instability

LifeSet helps youth leaving foster care or facing instability, offering one-on-one support with education, employment, housing, and wellness to build independence and success.

Eligibility: Youth ages 17.5–20 facing foster care exit, homelessness, or instability are eligible for LifeSet.

WHAT WE OFFER

Guided One-on-One Support That Meets You Where You Are

LifeSet pairs each participant with a Specialist who offers flexible, one-on-one support with employment, housing, education, wellness, and more. Meetings happen where youth are most comfortable, helping them build skills for confidence, stability, and independence.

Personalized Guidance

Each LifeSet participant works with a dedicated Specialist who tailors support to their goals.

Real-World Support

Specialists help with jobs, housing, budgeting, education, mental health, and family needs.

Flexible Meetings

Sessions happen wherever it’s easiest—homes, coffee shops, or virtually—on the youth’s schedule.

24/7 Connection

Around-the-clock support ensures young adults always have someone to turn to.

A Proven National Model Delivered with Local Expertise by Hoyleton

LifeSet, developed by Youth Villages and supported by evidence-based outcomes, is delivered by Hoyleton across Southern Illinois. Combining national best practices with local knowledge, LifeSet provides compassionate, culturally informed services that help young adults thrive in their communities.

Talk to a Lifeset Specialist

Let’s Take the First Step Together

LifeSet is here to help, whether you're a young adult looking for support or a professional ready to refer someone. Hoyleton’s team will guide you through every step—from intake to matching with a Specialist. Services are tailored to each young person’s needs, with the flexibility to adjust as goals change. Our approach is respectful, trauma-informed, and focused on real progress. Clients in the program are referred and placed with us through the Department of Children and Family Services.

Have questions? We're ready to help you explore LifeSet options today.

“I hope everyone has a
caseworker like I did. She just got me through stuff.”

- Fryday, ILO Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the goals of the LifeSet program?

To provide life skills to a foster youth so they can make a successful transition out of care and into adulthood.

What kind of help can be expected from a LifeSet program?

Individualized goal setting, obtaining high school diploma or GED, parenting skills, establishing a support network, connecting to resources, assistance finding housing, employment or child care, financial management, and time management.

How often will meetings with a specialist take place, and where?

A trained LifeSet specialist is available 24/7 by phone and can provide face to face support as needed. A specialist will meet with you once a week at a location you are comfortable with.

How much does it cost?

Foster youth qualify through Medicaid.

How is LifeSet different from other programs like Independent Living Option (ILO)?

LifeSet uses an intensive, individualized approach that revolves around an in-person, weekly meeting with a highly trained specialist in the community and 24/7 support.While the interventions with each young person are individualized, adherence to a structured model has allowed LifeSet to be effective in rural and urban settings, with youth from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in varying states and jurisdictions across the country.

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We’re Here to Help.
(618) 688-4727

Experienced specialists are ready to help—100% confidential

LifeSet—Support Starts With a Conversation

Our team is here to answer your questions and help you begin the path toward independence.

Empower Youth With the Tools to Build Independent, Fulfilling Lives

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