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Evolution Independent Living

The Evolution Independent Living Program supports young adults as they prepare for life in the community. Serving individuals with a history of multiple placements, substance abuse, risky behaviors, and trauma, Evolution provides a safe and supportive environment.

The program helps develop the skills needed to sustain affordable housing, secure employment, and achieve educational goals. Through one-on-one life coaching, mentoring, and access to community resources, we help young adults build a stable and successful future.

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At a Glance
Empowering young adults transitioning from group care to independent living by providing personalized support in housing, employment, education, and life skills.

Age

18-21

Gender

All

Referrals

MA DCF
Evolution Program Overview

The Evolution Program offers a comprehensive Independent Living Apartment Program for young adults in the Northeast area who are ready to step down from group care and start living independently. Participants receive assistance in finding and furnishing affordable apartments, managing their finances, and adjusting to independent living.

The program includes regular check-ins, unannounced visits, and 24/7 access to on-call staff for emergencies. Staff work closely with each young adult to establish relationships with local medical, dental, and psychiatric providers, as well as educational institutions and businesses.


One-on-One Life Skills Coaching

Participants in the Evolution Program receive 7-10 hours of individual coaching per week, tailored to their unique needs. Life coaches help young adults set and achieve life and treatment goals, focusing on areas such as money management, resume building, job interviewing, decision-making, educational development, and healthcare. Coaches assess existing skills and identify areas for growth, providing targeted support to ensure successful independent living.

Program Structure

The Independent Living Program is designed to gradually transition young adults to financial independence. Upon entering the program, participants receive full financial assistance, covering rent, utilities, furnishings, food, healthcare, and recreation. As they develop short- and long-term goals, participants take on increasing financial responsibility, with the ultimate aim of achieving complete financial stability by the end of the program.

Stepping Out Services

For young adults who are ready to live independently but require more intensive support, the Evolution Program offers Stepping Out Services. This option provides additional coaching hours and the support of a therapeutic mentor, who works alongside the Life Coach to ensure a successful transition from group care to self-sufficiency.

Community Integration

The Evolution Program emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining community connections. Participants are encouraged to engage in local events and activities to foster relationships within the community. Working with their Life Coach, young adults access essential community resources such as SNAP Benefits, Fuel Assistance, educational programs, and healthcare services, preparing them to take full financial responsibility.

Our Team

No team members found.

Evolution changed my life. I was able to find an apartment I loved, became an EMT, and was able to provide for myself in the future. They really cared about me and wanted me to succeed!

Tammy

Frequently Asked Questions

Most clients get furniture donations, or the Evolution Program can make a referral for furniture. The program does provide a brand-new bed and basic essentials.

Yes, rent is based on individual client cases and income. However, the rent amount is placed into the client’s savings.

Yes, all clients entering the program will have a roommate.

Referral Information

Referrals come from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.

Let's Connect

Norma Wallace

Program Director

(978) 831-4263

[email protected]

319 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01851

Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?
Teen Parenting Program
Teen parents are referred to Teen Parenting Programs by DTA. If you have a DTA worker please reach out to them. If you do not have a DTA worker please follow the below instructions. 

How to Get a DTA Worker in Massachusetts
If you need to speak with a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) worker — whether for benefits, SNAP Path to Work, or employment services — there are several ways to connect with them.

1. Call the DTA Assistance Line
      Phone: (877) 382‑2363
      Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.
      This is the main line for general DTA inquiries, but note that DTA has been experiencing high call volumes and may hang up on some calls due to staffing shortages MassLegalHelp.

2. Use DTA Connect
      Visit the DTA Connect website to report changes, view notices, and get updates.
      You can also use the DTA Connect mobile app to manage your account and communicate with staff Mass.gov.

3. Contact Your Local DTA Office
     Find your local office’s phone number in the DTA office directory or by calling the Assistance Line. Go in person during business hours for in-person interviews or to speak directly with a caseworker MassLegalHelp.
 
IRTPS
Referrals for IRTPs come from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, and services are funded through the Department of Mental Health. Please connect with your referring physiatrist or inpatient provider.
Employment Verification
JRI has partnered with EmpInfo to provide all verifiers (lender, bank, mortgage company, etc) with employment verifications through a fast and secure connection!

1. Verifier visits www.empinfo.com or 1-800-274-9694
2. Verifier follows process to register by selecting “verify now”
3. After registration is complete, verifier can obtain verification by entering the following details in the EmpInfo portal:
- Company Name: Justice Resource Institute, Inc.
- Social Security Number
- Authorization Code (if verifying income, you must obtain an
Authorization Code directly from the employee).
4. Verification of employment is immediate! If you run into any issues or need further assistance, please contact EmpInfo directly at 1-800-274-9694.
Record Request
Please click here to submit a record request. 
Referral Status
For an update on the status of your referral for community-based services (In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral Services, Outpatient Therapy or our Community Services Agencies), please reach out to Lori McGahan, [email protected]. 
Job Application Status
To check the status of your application log back into the UKG account you created when applying. You can view active applications under 'My Presence' then clicking on 'Applications'  If you have any further questions please contact [email protected].


Check Status
Educational Advocacy
Please click this link for more information on how to access educational advocacy resources.


Request More Information
Request More 
Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your needs, please fill out the form below. Our service navigator will reach out by phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the program director listed above.

Please note that this form is not HIPAA-compliant. We urge you not to include protected health information.

Request More Information

For assistance determining which programs or services will meet your individualized need, please fill out the form below. Our Service Navigator will reach out to you about your inquiry via phone, text, or email. If you have a question regarding a particular program, please contact the Program Director listed in the “Let’s Connect” box above. 

Please note that this form is not HIPAA compliant.  We urge you not to include protected health information.

What is your preferred method of communication?
Teen Parenting Program
Teen parents are referred to Teen Parenting Programs by DTA. If you have a DTA worker please reach out to them. If you do not have a DTA worker please follow the below instructions. 

How to Get a DTA Worker in Massachusetts
If you need to speak with a Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) worker — whether for benefits, SNAP Path to Work, or employment services — there are several ways to connect with them.

1. Call the DTA Assistance Line
      Phone: (877) 382‑2363
      Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:45 P.M.
      This is the main line for general DTA inquiries, but note that DTA has been experiencing high call volumes and may hang up on some calls due to staffing shortages MassLegalHelp.

2. Use DTA Connect
      Visit the DTA Connect website to report changes, view notices, and get updates.
      You can also use the DTA Connect mobile app to manage your account and communicate with staff Mass.gov.

3. Contact Your Local DTA Office
     Find your local office’s phone number in the DTA office directory or by calling the Assistance Line. Go in person during business hours for in-person interviews or to speak directly with a caseworker MassLegalHelp.
 
IRTPS
Referrals for IRTPs come from Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities, and services are funded through the Department of Mental Health. Please connect with your referring physiatrist or inpatient provider.
Employment Verification
JRI has partnered with EmpInfo to provide all verifiers (lender, bank, mortgage company, etc) with employment verifications through a fast and secure connection!

1. Verifier visits www.empinfo.com or 1-800-274-9694
2. Verifier follows process to register by selecting “verify now”
3. After registration is complete, verifier can obtain verification by entering the following details in the EmpInfo portal:
- Company Name: Justice Resource Institute, Inc.
- Social Security Number
- Authorization Code (if verifying income, you must obtain an
Authorization Code directly from the employee).
4. Verification of employment is immediate! If you run into any issues or need further assistance, please contact EmpInfo directly at 1-800-274-9694.
Record Request
Please click here to submit a record request. 
Referral Status
For an update on the status of your referral for community-based services (In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, In-Home Behavioral Services, Outpatient Therapy or our Community Services Agencies), please reach out to Lori McGahan, [email protected]. 
Job Application Status
To check the status of your application log back into the UKG account you created when applying. You can view active applications under 'My Presence' then clicking on 'Applications'  If you have any further questions please contact [email protected].


Check Status
Educational Advocacy
Please click this link for more information on how to access educational advocacy resources.


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