It’s 7:45 a.m. in Portland, Oregon, and Noah Gerber is already on the move. As an Independent Living Program specialist with Youth Villages, his office is wherever the young people he works with are — coffee shops, apartments, schools or the occasional football field. The specialists who support young adults with foster care experience demonstrate remarkable flexibility, a deeply personal commitment, and a tireless drive to meet the evolving needs of the youth and families we serve.

Morning: Starbucks with Elijah

Noah’s first stop is Starbucks, where he meets Elijah, a high school senior balancing football practice, mock trial and dreams of attending the University of Oregon. Their monthly meetings are tailored to Elijah’s packed schedule, often squeezed in before school starts.

“Elijah’s one of the few I meet this early,” Gerber said. “He’s got a lot going on, and we want to make sure his goals stay front and center.”

They talk about school workload, college credit classes and financial aid. Elijah recently got his license and saved up for a car with help from his uncle. He expects to pick it up next weekend.

“He’s driven,” Gerber said. “He’s already thinking about life after graduation, including what major and career he wants to pursue. I just help him map it out.”

Midday: Supervisor meeting and ILP case discussion

Later, Noah joins an in-person meeting with his supervisors and colleagues back at the office. These regular check-ins give specialists a chance to receive guidance, talk through challenges and get hands-on support from leadership.

In today’s meeting, another specialist shares a difficult case. The young person she works with is struggling emotionally and financially, affecting her living circumstances. She recently left a late-night job because of safety concerns and lack of support.

She’s overwhelmed by the process of applying for food stamps, missed a key appointment due to illness and now must start over in finding another job so she can keep her benefits.

The team discusses whether to pursue another subsidy exception or explore a move to an emergency shelter. It’s a tough call, and the conversation underscores the complexity of helping young people meet basic needs while working toward long-term goals.

“These meetings are about making sure none of us feels alone in the work,” Gerber said. “It’s about having a team behind you when you’re navigating tough situations.”

Afternoon: Apartment visit with Brayden

Noah’s final visit of the day is with Brayden, who greets him at the door with his dog wagging its tail excitedly. Brayden is preparing to start classes at community college in the upcoming winter term, and today’s session is focused on getting him registered, applying for grants and budgeting for school.

“We’re working on getting him a computer,” Gerber said. “He’s applied for FAFSA, but he needs more hands-on help with registration and connecting with school counselors.”

Brayden’s interests are wide-ranging: creative writing, philosophy and alternative medicine. Noah helps him explore course options and funding opportunities, while also reviewing his monthly budget for fuel, bills and other essentials.

“It’s about building a foundation,” Gerber said. “Brayden’s ready to take the next step, and I’m here to help him do it with confidence.”

From early morning sessions to emotionally complex case planning to hands-on academic support, no two days are the same.

“Every young person has a different story,” he said. “My job is to listen, adapt and walk alongside them, wherever they are and wherever they’re going.”

Ready to change lives like Noah? Join us at youthvillages.org/careers.

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