Angels for Foster Kids, Inc.

Angels for Foster Kids: Current Capital Campaign - Common Unity
 

This project was conceived and organized to address the social, education, vocational and housing needs of former foster youth.

Recognizing the needs that exist among this struggling population, the staff provides several programs that are focused on providing supportive housing and services such as life skills classes, transitional and supportive housing, mentors and life coaches to former foster youth. Life Skills would consist of budgeting finances, cooking, cleaning, home maintenance, parenting and relationship counseling. Mentors and life coaches would be able to be a consistent support and positive role model to these youth.

Although great strides have been made in the area of independent living and transitional services for foster care youth, there are still limitations to the current system in place. Due to high case loads and lack of funding, many youth are underserved and are emancipated without adequate support and resources. Chapman and Christ (2008) report that foster family homes or transitional apartments were the most effective settings in readying a teen for emancipation. In addition, just providing housing for former foster youth without appropriate supportive services that promote employment, education opportunities and emotional well-being is not effective, and for many, only puts off the risk of homelessness a little longer (Chapman & Christ, 2008).

A transitional housing program would allow youth to live independently in his or her own apartment, but have access to supportive services such as personal well-being, educational and vocational training, parenting and relationship education, individual and group counseling, transportation, and a sense of belonging to a community.

Providing former foster youth the opportunity to become self-sufficient and productive citizens would be an asset to the community. There would be a lower percentage of young mothers on welfare, less young children involved in the foster care and child welfare system, lower rates of crime and substance abuse among this population and a higher likelihood that they will promote social change within their communities as they become fully independent.