Years ago, I created a list of resources for Homeschool Alumni Reaching Out (HARO) for homeschool alumni who are entering “the real world” on their own for the first time. As that list is dreadfully out of date and many of the links no longer work, I want to update it here. So, if you’re leaving home for the first time ever, here are some resources to help you establish your life and keep yourself safe. I have organized the resources in alphabetical order by subject. Note: if you encounter dead links or problematic advice, please do not hesitate to contact me and let me know.
Documentation:
- How to Create or Obtain a High School Diploma
- How to Create or Obtain a High School Transcript
- How to Get a Document Notarized
Education:
- How to Connect With Other Homeschool Alumni for Help with College
- How to Study
- How to Get Your GED
- How to Apply for the FAFSA If Your Parent(s) Won’t Sign
- How to Write a Personal Essay for a College Application
- How to Get Adult Basic Education
Everyday Life
- What to Wear for Different Occasions
- How to Use Public Transportation
- How to Prepare for a Job Interview
- How to Find New Music
- How to Buy a Car
- How to Choose Car Insurance
- How to Rent an Apartment
- How to Rent an Apartment Without Rental History
- What to Look for Before Renting an Apartment
- How to Get a Cell Phone With No or Bad Credit
Finances:
- How to Budget
- How to Choose a Bank Account
- How to Open a Bank Account
- Opening a Bank Account Without a Social Security Number
- How to Apply for a Credit Card
- How to Get a Credit Card with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- What to Do If You Can’t Get a Credit Card
- How to Understand Credit Scores
- How to Improve Your Credit
- How to File Your Taxes
- How to File For Bankruptcy
- How to Remove Bankruptcy From Your Credit Report
- How to Build Credit After Bankruptcy
Healing:
- How to Pursue Healing and Justice as a Homeschool Alum
- How to Engage in Self-Education as a Homeschool Alum
- How to Recover from Adverse Childhood Experiences
- How to Find a Good Mental Health Provider
- How to Find a Good Therapist
- How to Find a Free or Low-Cost Therapist
- When to Fire a Therapist
- How to Engage in Self-Care
- How to Meditate
Health:
- When to See a Doctor
- How to Choose Health Insurance
- How to Find a Primary Care Doctor
- How to Choose a Primary Care Doctor
- How to Get Medical Care Without Health Insurance
- How to Self-Advocate in a Medical Situation
- What You Should Know About Self-Diagnosis
- When to Choose a New Doctor
- When to Get a Second Opinion From Another Doctor
- How to Get Birth Control
- How to Access Gender Affirming Care
- How to Get an Abortion
- How to Get Abortion Medication
Help:
- How to De-Escalate or Intervene When Someone is Being Harassed
- How to Deal With Suicidal Thoughts
- How to Cope With an Eating Disorder
- How to Manage Self-Injury Urges
- What to Do If You’re Sexually Assaulted
- How to Report Sexual Assault
- How to Find a Sexual Assault Service Provider
- How to Report Child Abuse and Neglect
- How to Find Rental Assistance
- How to Find Food Banks
- How to Get Help with Utility Bills
- How to Find Resources When Homeless
Identification:
- How to Get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- How to Get or Replace a Social Security Card
- How to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate
- How to Get or Renew a Driver’s License
- What to Do If Your Parent Uses or Steals Your Identity
Legal:
- How to Get Emancipated as a Teenager
- How to Find a Lawyer
- How to File a Lawsuit
- How to Sue an Abuser for Money
- How to Avoid Defamation and Libel When You Share Your Story
- What to Do If You’re Stopped by Police
Parenting:
- How to Understand Child Development
- How to Parent Without Spanking and Other Forms of Punishment
- When to Take Your Child to a Doctor
- How to Educate Your Child About Sex
- How to Recognize Sexual Grooming of Children
Relationships:
- Where to Connect With Other Homeschool Alumni
- How to Make Friends
- How to Understand Body Language and Facial Expressions
- How to Have Difficult Conversations
- How to Set Boundaries in Relationships
- How to Say “No” to People
- How to Go No-Contact With Family
- How to Party Responsibly
- How to Identify Red Flags in Relationships
- How to Share Your Story of Abuse With Others
- How to Come Out as Queer to Family and Friends
- How to Find Community and Support as a Queer Person
- How to Be an Ally to Queer People
- How to be a White Ally in Anti-Racism Work
Sexuality:
I’m so grateful that you’ve put this together. My younger self would have benefited a ton from this information. I spent years piecing together the gaps. Hope this helps others.