Fostering Advocates Arizona

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Sarah’s First Set of Wheels!

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Opp Pass_Sarah DunawaySarah’s life was changed forever with the support of Opportunity Passport™! As a student and new mother, Sarah knew having a car would be incredibly helpful in taking care of her new born and maintaining her status as a student. When she first heard Opportunity Passport™ could help her purchase a car she was excited!

 “I have a 3 month old and having a vehicle would help me take care of him and make commuting in general easier.”

Opportunity Passport™ provided Sarah with essential financial education on saving money and managing a budget as well as one-on-one coaching to help her purchase an asset.

Working with Opportunity Passport™ Sarah saved $2,000 and the program matched her savings for a total of $4,000. And guess what she did with her savings? She purchased her first vehicle!

“It helps me to have independence. My son is sick right now and having a vehicle makes it easier to take him to his doctor appointments.”

Sarah is saving and considering what her next asset purchase will be. Thanks to Opportunity Passport™ she has a better understanding of how to budget for her next purchase.

Sponsor a path today and support a young adult like Sarah in purchasing a life changing asset!

I Speak Change. Youth Speak Healthcare.

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ISpeakHealthcareTransitioning from foster care at age 18 and becoming an independent young adult can be very exciting and nerve wrecking. There are many significant responsibilities to manage and at times we forget, or don’t prioritize, the importance of obtaining or maintaining health insurance. Thankfully, there is now health insurance for former foster care youth known as Young Adult Transitional Insurance or YATI up to age 26.

Desaray-DuoPrior to YATI, there was minimal support for health insurance for former foster care youth. As a result, I aged out of foster care without health insurance, which caused a lot of financial and health obstacles for me. From the ages of 18-23, I was without health insurance and during that time I had a few medical emergencies that resulted in thousands of dollars in medical debt that took me several years to pay off. My story of being ineligible for health insurance as a former foster care child, before the implementation of YATI, is not unique. There were many other young adults who had aged out of care, became uninsured and were unable to seek regular or emergency medical attention without the fear of paying costly medical bills.

In 2014, health insurance for young adults who aged out of foster care in Arizona and are living in Arizona was extended to cover young people age 18-26.  This was truly a win for current and former foster care youth in Arizona! We all know the importance of health insurance and that in order to thrive, perform well in our jobs and education and lead a happy family, we need be proactive and take care of our health.

Click to learn more about Young Adult Transitional Insurance and how you may be eligible!

I Speak Change. Youth Speak Resources.

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ISpeakResources

PatienceSpeakWhen I was in foster care, one of the most helpful organizations that provided me with a great support system was Free Arts, which is a nonprofit that teaches healing and coping skills through the creative arts to vulnerable children and youth.

I was in many of their programs including Weekly Mentor, where I was paired with an adult mentor for a one-hour art session each week. I also participated in their Professional Artist Series where other youth, including myself, worked alongside a professional artist who taught us new skills. We then showcased our talents and hard work through art exhibits and performances.

When I turned 18 and aged out of foster care, I went from being a participant in Free Arts programming to actually volunteering with the organization. I started a youth leadership program; it was pretty solid working with kids in situations similar to my own as they looked up to me.

When I transitioned to living on my own, I realized I needed additional housing support and turned to Arizona’s Children Association. They were extremely helpful and enrolled me in their Transitional Independent Living Program (TILP). They helped me get back into extended foster care so I could receive the monthly subsidy to help with living expenses.

Overall, my advice to young people aging out of foster care is to keep your eyes open as there are resources all around you. Thy key is to use the services and to not give up, and always seek help when needed. If you pursue it, it will happen!

I Speak Change. Youth Speak Employment.

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I Speak Employment

“We have a family atmosphere at The Refuge” said John Strawn, general manager of The Refuge restaurant and café . During my afternoon visit the staff and customer interaction was friendly and welcoming. The restaurant is owned and operated by Catholic Charities Community Services of Phoenix and through their Youth Vocational Training Program at The Refuge, they provide refugees and at risk youth job training skills.

I was eager to visit the Phoenix café and meet with Bianca Rivers, who is employed in their Youth Vocational Training Program, and who also happens to be a Fostering Advocates Arizona Board Member.

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Danielle Heyer, Director of the Youth Training Program, got Bianca started in the program that offers young adults, ages of 19-23, a jump-start on job training and leadership skills to prepare them for long-term employment. Young adults earn wages while also learning and practicing customer service, budgeting, resume building, and interviewing.

“Our program is catered to each youth and we actively make an effort to provide program participants learning opportunities that fit with their needs and passions” said Heyer. For Bianca, the program was catered to her passion for baking. When Bianca began the program she was quiet and often kept to herself, but that didn’t last long. “After starting the program I realized that I’m actually very outgoing and funny, and I enjoy having conversations and building relationships with our customers” said Bianca.

Since the program’s beginning in 2014, The Refuge has employed 14 young people through collaboration with Valley youth-serving organizations. “We are a stepping stone and a resource for refugees and at risk youth,” said Heyer. “Once they leave our program we maintain contact with them. Our door is always open to alumni of our program, even if they are just coming for a visit and a cup of coffee”.

 

 

 

 

Ben’s Blog – Youth Speak Connections.

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YOUTHSPEAKCONNECTIONSBen_YouthSpeakConnections

Although social capital may sound like a financial or legal term, it is defined as the network of individuals you are connected to. Your social capital may include friends, mentors, and family members that are there to help you through life. It is helpful to have a diverse network of people that you can turn to. For example, you may have a friend you can list as a job reference and another friend or family member you can turn to in an emergency situation.

It is important to build and save social capital just like money which means investing time into developing and maintaining relationships with individuals you are connected to. However, unlike money, you can have a personal relationship with your social capital!

 

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