FEATURED STORY:
“Spending time with Anna is always a special occasion for both of us. We learn from each other and get to explore a lot of new things together. She is a wonderful young lady and I especially enjoy her laughter and great smile” -J.J.
Chance to Advance Newsletter Spring 2013
Did you know that there are approximately 1,200 children in foster care across Long Island? Did you know that 3 out of 10 of the nation’s homeless are former foster children? Did you know that many children, who live most of their youth in foster care, leave the system without a solid educational foundation, job skills, or any means to support themselves? Too many of these youngsters end up on public assistance or become involved in the criminal justice system. Research has shown that mentored foster care youth have more positive outcomes than non-mentored youth: improved overall health, more participation in higher education, and less involvement in the criminal justice system. Here’s your chance to do your part. It’s your opportunity to nurture a child’s aspirations and discover the untapped gifts so many children in foster care have. Join the Chance To Advance team of volunteer mentors. Volunteer mentors are matched with kids with similar interests. These volunteers become an important part of the life of youths – and for many youth in care, the mentor is their first real positive role model.
As for our mentors, they have the knowledge that they have enriched the life of a youth. And, as one mentor said, “I ended up getting more satisfaction and joy out of this volunteer job than I ever believed I could!”
The Chance To Advance Program supports children in foster care ages 8 to 21 by providing educational and enrichment opportunities through the help of 1- on -1 mentors. Mentors are committed volunteers in the Long Island community who are dedicated to improving the lives of children in foster care by connecting them with appropriate extracurricular activities, enrichment programs, college coaching and vocational training.
Click here to download our brochure: Chance to Advance brochure