Giving Report May 2014
Your Donations at Work May 2014
During the first quarter of 2014, $20,737 was given to assist at-risk children and young adults who have “aged out” of the foster care system 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:
Cheryl was a young teen when she was removed from her home because of domestic violence, lack of structure and strangers constantly moving in and out of her life. She didn’t adjust very well in the beginning of her placement in the foster care system but her story is best described by her own words:
“I ran from my group home thinking this would solve all my problems. I returned after realizing that life on the outside is hard when you do not have good life skills or the education to land a good job. I returned to foster care pregnant and with the awareness that this child deserved a good life, too. I set my sights on thinking ‘if you believe it, you can achieve it.’ I recently completed my GED and obtained my Certified Nursing Assistant certificate while caring for my newborn son. I am attending college in the fall to earn my nursing degree. I want my son to grow up proud of his mother and be motivated to follow my successful footsteps. Thanks to the WingsNet program, I have some needed money to help us while I work toward my nursing degree.”
We are proud to help Cheryl and wish her much success now and in the future.
Update and News
Here’s specifically how the funds were used from January 2014 through March 2014:
- $12,087: Eleven families-in-crisis (17 adults and 18 youth) participated in prevention programs/counseling to avoid removing youth from homes where possible
- $6,000: High School diplomas, GED WingsNet awards
- $1,450: Academic achievement WingsNet awards
- $400: College Degree WingsNet award
- $500: Bus passes for aged-out youth
- $300: TABE (test of adult basic education) fees
$20,737: 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.
Tess Frana chose to help teens “aging out of the system” instead of receiving gifts for her 10th birthday! She donated $365! We’re impressed at Tess’s caring and compassion – she is an inspiration! For the complete story featured in Lake Mary Life magazine, click here
Our “High Hopes” Gala will be held on September 27, 2014 at the Lake Mary Marriott! We hope you’ll help by joining us and spreading the word to your family and friends, too! For information about Sponsor Opportunities and event details, visit our website at www.wingsofhope.net/events.
