Program areas at Foundation for Foster Children
Educate:provides personalized educational services to help students in Foster care experience academic success in orange, seminole, and osceola counties. Most importantly, Children were given an opportunity to create concrete goals and develop valuable life skills, such as self-awareness, critical thinking, effective communication, empathy, and accountability. In 2022, 94% improved academic performance, 100% of seniors graduated, 100% of students were promoted to the next grade level and 16,124 hours of tutoring along with 396 laptops and learning tools.
Empower:the empower program provides direct assistance and mentoring (advocates) to help Foster youth (ages 14-24) navigate through the challenging transition from state care to successful independent living. Assistance includes housing deposits/fees, household starter kits, drivers' licenses, college textbooks and computers. Matched by similar interests, advocates and Foster youth work together over a 12-week period. Whether they're starting college, vocational training, a new job, or living alone in a new apartment for the first time, our program provides a stable relationship leading to a positive outcome. In 2022, 325 youth received transition to adulthood opportunities, 92% are working with a staff advocate, 90% of graduates are employed or enrolled in post-secondary education, and 98% of youth over 18 are in stable housing.
Enrichment: this program relieves the financial obstacles facing Children in Foster care so that they can participate in activities that provide positive life experiences. By funding community-based athletics, arts, music, field trips, school activities, and summer camp experiences, youths learn independence, build self-esteem and confidence. Ffc is committed to supporting and providing services and opportunities that promote positive development. In 2022, 339 youth attended summer camp or a normalcy opportunity, 431 youth experienced a cultural event, 430 youth enrolled in extracurricular opportunities, 102 youth attended school experiences, and 179 birthday celebrations were provided.