Connect for Success is a Colorado-based tutoring program for youth in foster care that seeks to improve their educational outcomes and nurture their social skills. This program responds to the need for direct tutoring support for Colorado’s youth in foster care, as only 30% are currently graduating high school on time. Tutors provide not only academic support, but emotional support as well, establishing themselves as a familiar face to students and supporting them through past and present challenges. “It’s a program that is not like any other,” says Linette Weise, Director of Educational Services at Connect for Success. “It’s a program that’s trauma responsive, educational tutoring.”



Link to Full Article

Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan has launched a new program to help older youth ages 16-19 prepare for living on their own. The new home will be at “Pete’s Place,” a former shelter for runaway and homeless teens, and will house up to seven teens. The program will support teens in developing a variety of life skills necessary to transition to adulthood, such as financial literacy, self-care, and housing and money management. Given that it is harder to find foster homes for older youth in particular, this program gives them a place to call home where they can still develop independent living skills to prepare them for the transition out of foster care. 



Link to Full Article

Anthony Davis is the president of Livingstone College, a small HBCU in North Carolina, and someone who grew up in foster care in Connecticut. Earlier this month, he announced a presidential scholarship for students to attend Livingstone College during a morning assembly at Hartford Public High School in CT. The scholarship could be up to $26,000, depending on students’ grades and needs. With this great opportunity offered, Senior Jahshawn Grant filled out the application and then learned about his receipt of the scholarship. As Grant mentioned, going to college is part of his plan though he was struggling to figure out payment for it; he now wants to take advantage of this opportunity to fulfill his future. Davis is continuing his ten-city tour to offer more scholarships.



Link to Full Article

In West Virginia, New Vision Renewable Energy began its construction for a new initiative to provide youth who are aging out of the foster care system a space to live and build community. The first New Vision Village will consist of 24 tiny homes to house younger men ages 18-24, as well as retirees who can provide mentorship and help provide a sense of community. Incoming residents had the opportunity to assist in building the homes as part of New Vision’s training program. The village has a goal of building 70 homes per year to support this population, providing them with a sense of community, hope, and stability as they enter the next phase of their lives.

Link to Full Article

The Unity House in Keene, NH is the first group home dedicated to LGBTQIA+ youth who are in the custody of the N.H. Division for Children, Youth and Families. Operating on a community-based model, the Unity House is meant to provide a supportive and safe environment for eight youth aged 12 to 19. Eighteen staff members are present to prepare residents for their transition out of foster care, for reunification with family, or to prepare them for independent living. Gender-affirming therapy and other LGBTQIA+ clinical treatments will be available to residents. There will also be community-building opportunities such as participating in sports, social groups, and service projects.



Link to Full Article

The ‘warm line’ 211 in Washington D.C. recently announced the receipt of $9 million from The Doris Duke Foundation to better support households and families. The helpline intends to deliver human services such as food assistance and housing support. Help can be accessed by dialing 211 or a local 10-digit number, and it serves D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The helpline’s goal is to assist families who are teetering on the edge, providing support with bill payments and putting food on their tables. With new funding, the 211 program is further committed to linking families to services “at the earliest indication of need.”



Link to Full Article