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While Unemployment Is At A Record Low, Foster Youth Is Still Left Homeless And Unemployed.
Press Release
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updated: Mar 5, 2019
MIAMI, March 5, 2019 (Newswire.com)
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Two organizations have come together to tackle the problem of unemployment amongst foster youth – an issue that often leads to homelessness. According to a multi-state study, 50 percent of former foster children are unemployed. Even those who do have jobs can run into trouble supporting themselves, as more than 71 percent report an annual income of less than $25,000. This population is highly vulnerable.
The Kids Kindness Project and Genesis Hopeful Haven have aimed to close the gap by creating The Internship Project. “We are preparing our foster kids, so they don’t become just another statistic,” says Fritzie Saintoiry, CEO of Genesis.
The longer someone has been in foster care, the smaller his or her chance of achieving adoption or permanent guardianship. Youth who “age-out” of the system have turned 18 and now face very low odds of achieving Independence and living productive lives. With no family support and a lack of essential skills, how will these youth be self-sufficient?
Joshua J, 18, says his biggest fear of aging out of the system is being homeless. In 10th grade, now left to survive on his own, he states, “If you don’t have a place to go, you’re not getting a job. If you don’t have a job, then you’re not going to have anywhere to go.” However, Joshua’s outlook on life changed when he participated in The Internship Project last summer.
The Internship Project prepares foster youth for the professional world by providing a chance to acquire valuable professional experience. After participating in the program, Joshua and many others discovered areas of interest for their careers, uncovered hidden talents and gained confidence to pursue job opportunities in the future.
Too many child welfare systems don’t offer the basic programs that make the difference between a successful career and a life spent struggling to get by. For every success story, there are still countless former foster youth who don’t know if they’ll ever be able to support themselves.
To reach more youth in need, The Internship Project staring a brand-new concept. The first “NEVER GIVE UP” conference; a motivational speaking seminar which will be held this Spring in Miami Dade welcoming 150 foster youth. “Our goal is to give foster youth the strength and motivation they need to succeed their transition into adulthood,” says Alexandra Hokfelt co-founder of the project.
Youth who attend the event will benefit from incredible motivational speakers and have the chance to sign up for The Internship Project to be paired up with employers in our communities.
This project gives companies the opportunity to be part of a network of businesses that care and change lives by welcoming participants for a one-day internship. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I will learn.”
Contact: Alexandra Hokfelt – alexandra@thekidskindnessproject.org or Fritzie Saintoiry – fristzie@ghhaven.org
Source: The Internship Project
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