This month’s Senior Sessions in our Transitional Living Program were all about preparing our students for the everyday skills and decisions that come with independent living!
The teens took on the challenge of planning, budgeting, shopping for, and preparing two meals for their cottage. They had to work within a set budget, choose recipes, determine how much food they would need to feed everyone, make their shopping lists, and then put their plans into action in the kitchen.
To wrap up the month, we headed to the grocery store for a scavenger hunt with a budgeting twist! The students compared name-brand and generic prices and had to make decisions about what they could—and couldn’t— afford within their budget.
One of the most interesting parts was seeing what each one decided was a necessity when they had to eliminate items from their cart. It was a great opportunity to talk about needs versus wants, making smart financial choices, and stretching a dollar.
These hands-on experiences are equipping our seniors with confidence and practical skills they can carry with them long after they leave Cherokee Home. We’re so proud of the thought, effort, and maturity they’re putting into preparing for their futures! As they take these important steps toward independence, we’re grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside them and help equip them for what comes next.
Photos by Valerie Valdez