Giving Report February 2016
Your Donations at Work February 2016
During the fourth quarter of 2015, $27,549 was given to assist at-risk teens and young adults who have aged out of foster care (between 18-21 years old) in Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola Counties. Details are listed below, but first we want to let you know how your donations positively impact the youth in our community and particularly the following young person who wanted to share his story:
Kevin was not only abandoned by his birth parents but also by his adoptive family. Because of experiencing such rejection, he didn’t trust anyone, was guarded with his emotions and found himself living on the streets with nowhere to turn. Fortunately, Kevin now resides at The Faine House, a transition home for youth who have aged-out of foster care.Very slowly over the past year, with the support, training and compassion of the staff, Kevin started to experience success for the first time. He’s held the same job for over a year, recently enrolled at Winter Park Tech to further his education and started a savings account so he can purchase a car. Kevin is now 19 years old with a new outlook on life — one that includes stronger self-esteem, confidence in his abilities and hope for the future.
Update and News
Here’s specifically how the funds were used from October 2015 through December 2015:
- $ 8,687.00: academic achievement
- $ 215.00: clothing and personal care
- $ 4,915.00: education fees, tutoring and life skills classes
- $ 80.00: medical and dental assistance
- $94.00: employment skills/performance
- $243.00: emergency assistance
- $100.00: Pay to Stay
- $13,215.00: Repairs/Renovations to group homes
$27,549.00: Total
We will continue to report on how YOUR donations are being used. Thank you for your confidence that Wings of Hope will continue to be good stewards of your generosity.
Individually we do make a difference. Together we change lives.
WINGSNET PROGRAM:
Our WingsNet program, developed to help at-risk youth, does make a difference. Here are some of the components and results:
- Academic Achievement – 25% of participants are enrolled in vocational or college studies vs. 3% of youth who leave foster care statewide
- Paycheck Supplement – 70% of WingsNet participants maintain employment for a minimum of 6 months vs. national average of 40%
- Savings Account Match – There is a 25% increase in youth who open and maintain a savings account among WingsNet participants
- Emergency Assistance – Since these youth have no one to call in emergency situations, WingsNet provides funding for medical and dental needs, deposits on apartments, utilities, repairs, etc.
FOSTER YOUTH STATISTICS:
Youth aging out of foster care have a challenging road ahead of them:
- 33% become homeless within 3 years
- 66% are high school drop outs
- 50% are unemployed
