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!

Opportunity Passport – Yesenia Studies Abroad

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When speaking with Yesenia her passion for journalism is instantaneously apparent as she talks about her goal of studying abroad; her smile beaming from cheek to cheek.

Yesenia is currently a full time student at Arizona State University in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is also working on a minor in Spanish. She first heard about Opportunity Passport through her Nina Mason Scholars network.

“I am just so grateful for the opporOpp Pass_Yeseniatunity to open a savings account and to purchase assets that are really needed. With Opportunity Passport you get real world experience managing money and you become grateful for all the opportunities it opens up.”

While working a part time job and saving her hard earned money, Opportunity Passport matched Yesenia’s savings of $1,500 for a total of $3,000 to help her purchase a life-changing asset. Yesenia made her dreams come true to study abroad in Costa Rica San Jose at Veritas University during her 2016 semester!

“Having my savings matched and being able to study abroad has huge implications for my future. The key to being a good journalist is being well rounded, cultured, and open-minded and this opportunity provides those experiences so I can be a great journalist.”

As Yesenia prepares for takeoff, she is already saving for her next asset purchase. She is currently without dental care and working to save funds for a needed procedure. With Opportunity Passport, Yesenia can break down those barriers and stay on top of her health and wellness so she can have the trip of a lifetime.

Help a youth like Yesenia in making their goals come true by “Sponsoring a Youth” today! Click here to learn more.

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it!

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In today’s trending news, we are highlighting 14 year old Zak who reached his longtime goal of opening a savings and checking account with help from Opportunity Passport™!

Zak currently lives in a group home, is attending school and employed part time so he can save for his educational future. Like Zak, many youth who experience foster care do not have access to savings accounts to safely deposit their money. The result; they end up keeping their earnings in an unsecured box hidden in their room or under a mattress. With assistance from the Opportunity Passport™ Coordinator, Zak took the program‘s Savings and Investments Training and now has a secure bank account!

Zak is currently saving to buy a laptop for school and has been working with the Opportunity Passport™ coordinator on a savings plan and goal. Once he is ready to purchase a laptop, his savings will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the many generous individuals who chose to “Sponsor a Path” for a youth who has experienced foster care. You too can “Sponsor a Path” and support a young adult’s future independence.

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!

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