Old African Proverb: It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child

I was totally unaware of the problems facing young adults who are aging out of the foster care system. Did you know nearly half of foster kids in the U.S. become homeless when they turn 18? They are often not prepared for adulthood and lack the support and resources to aid them.

Well a friend, Pat Howe, enlightened me on the issue. He is the Executive Director of Good Works Ministries, a non-profit organization that was formed to help young adults in the transitioning from the foster care system to independent living.

Good Works Ministries in Oklahoma City makes a difference in the lives of these kids by giving foster children a community-based setting in which they live and learn. The services offered are assisting in finding grants and scholarships for continuing their education, conducting workshops by volunteer professionals to teach in many different fields (e.g., construction, computer and medical workshops and basic life skills), offering mentoring programs and also assist them in finding housing. The ministry also gives back to communities by helping poverty stricken families and other needy organizations with basic repairs to dwellings, to ensure safe and healthy living environments.

These kids need stability and guidance to make their transition out of the foster care system successful. Their past experiences often place them at a higher risk for unemployment, poor educational outcomes, health issues, early parenthood, long-term dependency on public assistance, increased rates of incarceration, and homelessness. There are many programs that provide support to youths leaving foster care that need financial support or volunteers. As always, awareness of the problem is critical.

http://goodworksministry.org/