The Story of Carrie Bell SIL
Leaving a Legacy
Carrie Bell SIL is named in honor of matriarchs Carrie Lee and Bell Marie. These beautiful women not only ​opened up their hearts and homes to their children and grandchildren, but to anyone that needed a warm bed, hot meal and encouraging words. Their loved shined through every word, every meal and every hug. It was through their love and example, that Carrie's granddaughter and Bell's grandson would unite in marriage and continue their legacy.
In 2022, a need to implement a transitional living program to help youth, ages 18-21, who were aging out of the foster care/CPS system was implemented. In the Carrie Bell SIL program, youth must follow the guidelines for obtaining their high school education, enroll in college courses or maintain employment, in order to remain eligibility for extended care benefits to assist them in becoming productive, responsible, and successful adults.
Carrie Bell SIL is dedicated to using innovative teaching methods and community resources to provide services for the youth to improve their personal and professional growth. Participants in the program will learn effective steps for completing their high school education with a view toward attending college. They will learn the best practices for searching and seeking out job opportunities, all while learning the necessary skills that will help maintain an independent living lifestyle. Carrie Bell SIL is also committed to performances-based evaluation to measure progress, while providing a safe environment for the youth to grow and gain independence, maturity, and the confidence to succeed into adulthood.
We believe all former foster youth can embrace their potential, define their own future, and make a positive impact on the world.
Our Mission
We committed to assisting young women, women with children and men aging out of the DFPS system to gain independence in a safe and structured environment. By providing the tools and resources needed to further assist them into becoming mature, independent, successful and productive adults. These young adults are the future of our country, and we are responsible for helping them to achieve success, thereby helping our country to be successful.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see every former foster youth equipped with the necessary skills, confidence, and resources to thrive as independent and contributing members of society.