My Lifebridge Academy
Without mentoring and motivation, youth in foster care find themselves homeless, pregnant, on drugs, or in jail. Also, many youth and young adults who grow up in traditional families learn various subjects from school but lack the skills needed to navigate the realities of life.
My Lifebridge Academy was created to help individuals overcome obstacles and help prepare for success.
Select one of the options below to begin learning.
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A source of tools, encouragement, guidance, and support promoting Life Skills knowledge transfer for youth and young adults.
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To influence our young people to choose a healthy and productive lifestyle while providing them with the tools, they need for success. We will accomplish this by providing Life Skills Mentoring, learning content, and simulated opportunities to apply knowledge.
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Health and Wellness, Self-awareness, Risk Management, Housing, Financial Literacy, Building a Support Network, Soft Skills, Continued Education, and Employment
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On-demand Courses, Life Skills Videos VILT (Virtual Instructor Led Training), Virtual and In-person Mentoring, and Life Skills Reinforcement
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Our offerings are always free; however, donations are welcome and will be used to further support the overall mission and goals of our organization.
How it works
Plan | Prepare | Perform
Success in life comes from having a plan, laying a strong foundation, and taking action to make a difference. When we think ahead, prepare well, and stay focused on our goals, we can reach our full potential and make a positive impact on the world around us. Here are a few steps to get our young people started.
PLAN
Planning for the future is important because it helps you set clear goals and gives you a sense of direction. It also helps you prepare for challenges and practice making smart decisions, which can lead to more success and happiness in life. Here are a few things you need to prepare for independent living.
Request
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If you are still in school and have not yet graduated: contact your guidance counselor for assistance.
If you have graduated:
1. Go to the site of your school district (Example: Harris County School District, Muscogee County School District, etc.)
2. Fill out the form
3. Pay the fees: (transcript costs vary from $5-$10; duplicate diploma $25) copy of your ID may be required.
Select the school district below to be directed to your school district:
Muscogee County School District (Records Management)
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1. Call the hospital where you were medically treated or your doctor’s office
2. Ask for the medical records department
3. Fill out the appropriate request form
4. Provide copy of your ID (if required)
5. Pay the fee associated with obtaining records (Fees range from $35 - $75 depends on the provider)
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There is no national registry that keeps track of individual vaccinations. Suggestions are located on the Center for Disease Control site. If you know of a doctor or pharmacy that administered vaccination shots, you can contact that office for a start. If you are unable to locate vaccination information, you will more than likely be required to take those shots again.
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When requesting termination of guardianship, a petition must be filed with the probate court. Each county has different rules so you must research if you reside outside of Harris County, GA as the information below only applies to Harris County.
1. General Form GPCSF 65 Petition for Termination of Guardianship – Conservatorship and Restoration of Rights can be found on the Georgia Judicial Gateway site. This is the link to the petition that will need to be completed and filed with your county’s probate court.
2. If you feel the petition will be contested or challenged, you may want to seek a lawyer to assist going forward.
Establish
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An emergency contact is someone who can assist with medical decisions or be contacted in the event that you are hurt or injured. This should be someone you trust and is dependable. An emergency contact should be added to any medical forms and there is even an emergency contact feature in your iPhone and Android phone.
Select the phone you have below to watch a video on how to set up an emergency contact in your phone.
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A legal address or domicile is usually determined by the state you live, pay your taxes, vote, and have your state issued driver’s license or state issued identification card.
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Opening a bank account isn’t as simple as walking up to a teller and handing over your money. Creating a new account requires a bit of preparation and thought. For example, you’ll need to decide which type of account you want and how you want to use it.
As a general rule, most banks will require the following:
If you’re under 18, some banks might require a parent or guardian to sign some forms when you make your account. Not all banks do this, so if you don’t want them to be involved with your banking, try emailing banks before you go into them asking whether they require a parent or guardian to sign.
You’ll need to have valid identification and be willing to share basic information about yourself. In the US, you’ll usually need your Social Security number.
You’ll need to have at least the minimum amount of money for opening account. This can vary based on the bank and account you choose.
Choose a bank that is best for you
Do they allow direct deposit?
Is it a national chain that can be accessed in different states or a local bank?
Is there a bank close to where you live?
Visit your bank and ask to open an account.
Opening an account in person is usually the best option for first-time account holders. One big advantage of opening an account in person is that you can ask the teller all of your questions and get immediate answers (as opposed to the waiting you’ll have to do online or on the phone). Also, because you can sign the forms and receive your confirmation documents on the spot, the process of opening an account is also usually speedier in person.
Choose an account that is best for you.
Checking, Savings, or Money Market, etc. make sure you ask questions to determine which is best for you.
Ask important questions before you finalize your account.
Now is an excellent time to ask for clarification on any issues regarding your account that you don’t understand. Below are a few suggestions for questions you may want to ask, but don’t be afraid to ask any others that occur to you.
Is there a monthly fee for maintaining this account? If so, what is it?
Is there a minimum balance that I must keep within this account? If so, what is it?
What sorts of fees apply if I go under that limit?
What is the interest rate of my savings account? How often does interest generate?
Is there a limit to the number of transactions (deposits/withdrawals, check writing, ATM uses) I have per month?
Where can I withdraw cash without paying any fees? What is the fee for using an ATM that doesn’t belong to this bank?
Do they offer online banking?
When opening an account, you will also need to have the following:
Proof of who you are
A driver’s license, state ID or passport
Proof of citizenship
A social security number
Proof of Address
A bill
Driver’s license (if address is current) Any official document with your name and address
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A safety deposit box can also be obtained at a bank. You will need to apply for the safe deposit box at the bank and you can ask one of the representatives if they offer this service. You will still require the same identification to obtain a box. You will be issued a key which you will need to keep secured. Your important documents, such as insurance policies, copy of your passport and social security card can be kept in the box. Your box should be insured.
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Determine an email host such as gmail, Hotmail, etc.
Go to the site of the host you choose gmail.com, Hotmail.com, etc.
Select create email and follow instructions on the screen
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A storage unit is a place where you are able to store furniture and belongings and you pay a monthly fee. You will need to determine the size storage unit you need based on the amount of items you need to store.
Next, you can search the internet for different locations and compare the monthly fees for the storage area. You will have to sign a contract with the storage unit. Some units require that you give them a 30-day notice when vacating the unit or there will be additional fees incurred. You will need to ask questions to determine what is required according to the agreement. You will need your state identification or driver’s license.
Obtain
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Your social security number should be kept secure and not shared with anyone. You will need this number to apply for jobs, bank accounts, medical treatment, etc.
In order to apply for a social security card, replace a lost or stolen card, or update information on a social security card visit www.ssa.gov/ssnumber and follow the instructions. You can also visit the SSA (Social Security Administration) office at 7263 N Lake Dr, Columbus GA 31909.
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To obtain a copy of your official birth certificate you will need to go to the Georgia Department of Public Health website, scroll to Services, and follow the instructions. Current fees are: $25.00 (plus $10.00 for each additional copy). To confirm the current fees, you can call (404) 679-4702 to inquire. A photocopy of a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or state issued ID) will be needed to process the request.
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A Georgia Driver’s License or State ID can be obtained by accessing www.georgia.gov/drivers-licenses and following the instructions provided.
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U.S. passports are identification documents for citizens issued by the U.S. Department of State. If you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time, you will need to apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility. Visit www.https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need- passport/apply-in-person.html to find a location near you. If you are renewing a U.S. passport, you can renew in person or by mail. Visit www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html and follow the instructions provided.
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You can get a Voter Identification Card free of charge from any county registrar’s office or Department of Driver Services (DDS) Office. At the county registrar’s office, you must provide all of the following: 1) a photo identity document or approved non-photo identity document that includes your full legal name and date of birth, 2) documentation showing your date of birth, 3) evidence that you are registered to vote in Georgia, and 3) documentation showing your full legal name and residential address.
PREPARE
Being well-prepared is key to success because it helps you see potential challenges, gather what you need, and create smart plans. This leads to better outcome and builds confidence. Here are some classes to help you prepare for the future.
Sign up today and start your journey.
PERFORM
Volunteering is a great way to practice your life skills and turn your intentions into action. By getting involved and working toward your goals, you can overcome hesitation, take advantage of opportunities, and make real progress toward success.
Visit the United Way of Chattahoochee Valley for more information and volunteer opportunities.