Melinda recently turned to our On Ramp program to help her prepare for job hunting and to find a job she could succeed in. As a homeless teen, she was referred by an uptown shelter.

Since she is no longer in school she was hoping to find employment. Staff helped her locate a job prospect. Unfortunately, her interview was in Concord. Because it was a sales position, appearance was going to be extremely important. Not surprisingly, Melinda did not have any nice clothes or shoes to wear, nor did she have any transportation. Her On Ramp worker stepped up and brought in some shirts. However we were unable to locate any pants or shoes she could wear. Thus, one of The Relatives staff took her to Walmart and bought them.

When she got dressed, Melinda looked very professional! Staff then transported her to her interview. When staff returned to pick her up, Melinda was grinning from ear-to-ear. She got the job!

On Ramp is a Resource Center for any young adult 16-24 years old in Mecklenburg County who may need help making the successful evolution from youth to being an independent adult. On Ramp uses a research based model called RENEW (Rehabilitation for Empowerment, Natural Supports, Education, and Work) as the approach to providing services

On Ramp is a Resource Center for any young adult 16-24 years old in Mecklenburg County who may need help making the successful evolution from youth to being an independent adult. On Ramp uses a research based model called RENEW (Rehabilitation for Empowerment, Natural Supports, Education, and Work) as the approach to providing services.

Who We Serve

Many young adults in On Ramp are transitioning from circumstances like foster care, mental health services, homelessness, and unstable living situations. Others may be young adults who simply need additional help ensuring they are prepared to face the world as adults

What We Do

On Ramp empowers young adults learn to be their own advocates so they can truly be responsible for their own success. Through individual futures planning, monthly workshop, one-on one support, counseling/mentoring, and most of all, linking available community resources young adults:

Develop Job Skills
Find and Keep Employment
Peer Mentoring
Achieve Education Goals (High School Diploma/GED, College enrollment/ completion)
Learn to identify individual supports for success
Learn to acquire housing
Access resources to help maintain safety and good health

The Relatives began partnering with National Safe Place in 1988 to create a local network of businesses, public resources, churches, schools, and transportation services, who were willing to post Safe Place signs throughout our community to identify themselves as a place to get help for kids in crisis. Any child or teen can ask for help at these locations and be connected to The Relatives Crisis Center free of charge. Our Safe Place program allows The Relatives to expand its reach to more youth in the community and allow businesses to help this on going effort.