Teenagers who will age out of foster care face long odds and are one of the most vulnerable populations in the country. Nearly 20,000 young people age out of the system every year and are expected to make it on their own as independent adults. Learn more about how our volunteer, Pat, supports older youth as they prepare for life on their own.
1. Youth opts in
2. Youth meets with Fostering Futures team
3. CASA-EP pairs the youth with a mentor
4. CASA-EP helps make connections with services, career programs, and more
5. Youth attends monthly programs
6. Youth attends Youth Leadership Summit in July at Shepherd University
7. Youth builds relationships with peers
8. Ongoing support, fun, and engagement
9. Result: Empowered and prepared youth
Through a combination of one-on-one mentoring, monthly programming to build practical skills, fun activities with peers with similar life experiences, and connections to community resources based on the youth’s interests, CASA-EP gives Fostering Futures participants tools and support to help them reach their full potential.
Building on 20 years’ experience advocating for the best interests of children and youth in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, CASA-EP’s Fostering Futures program focuses on getting better outcomes for older youth who have experienced abuse or neglect and are at higher risk for homelessness, incarceration, substance use disorders, and unplanned pregnancy.
We know that these outcomes are not inevitable and that anything is possible with the life-changing support of a caring adult and the backing of CASA-EP.
Make connections with local services and career programs for the tools and support as you prepare for adulthood.
If you or someone you know could benefit from our Fostering Futures Youth Program email cari@4e3e7b3687.nxcli.io for more information