Independence: A Family of Services Information

At Independence: A Family of Services, Inc. (IFS), our mission is to create the pathways to success for at-risk and troubled youth and families through innovative programs and services in urban New Jersey. IFS began in 1971 as Independence High School to provide alternative education to high school dropouts. For 40 years, IFS has been committed to seeing that underserved youth receive the education and services they deserve and that work to keep them on a path toward capable adulthood. Since our founding, IFS has expanded our services and reach to include youth and families throughout Essex County. To reflect this growth to a multi-service agency, our name was changed to Independence: A Family of Services, Inc. in 1991. At IFS, we have a “No Reject, No Eject” philosophy, which means we take on all clients who meet our funders’ criteria and, no matter what challenges arise, we work with them to find effective service interventions. This commitment allows us to connect with our youth and families so that they want to grow and become stronger. IFS remains committed to high-risk youth and families in urban New Jersey by providing customized services to meet the needs of youths transitioning into productive and responsible adults. Within five years, IFS will become the lead agency and peer model for effecting change for youth who are involved in the child welfare system or otherwise at risk and families in need by helping them develop the skills to become self-empowered.