Around 117,470 children in the US are waiting to be adopted. Many of them suffer from PTSD and often end up living on their own once they leave the foster care system. Various organizations are working to support these kids.
There are many ways you can help improve the lives of children– one of the best ways is by supporting organizations that help foster youths get the support they need to succeed in school and life. This article will discuss the different types of charities working to help these kids.
Foster Care to Success
Joseph Rivers started the Foster Care to Success charity in 1981 after he had spent his childhood in the foster care system. He knew how hard it was to succeed in life and wanted to help other kids succeed. Today, the organization is the largest provider of financial support and college scholarships for foster youths in the country.
In its financial report, Foster Care to Success states that it spent over 87% of its income on education and training services. It also spent about 5% on care package programs. It’s also ranked four stars by Charity Navigator.
The organization provides financial support and tuition grants to children who have left the foster care system and offers mentoring and academic coaching. Through its Reach USA program, Foster Care to Succeed works with businesses and governments to provide education grants to children in the foster care or adoption system.
The organization annually provides over $15 million for student support programs and college scholarships for foster kids. Since its inception, Foster Care to Success has helped over 50,000 students get through college. It has also helped shape various public policies related to child welfare.
Together We Rise
Danny Medoza started the organization Together We Rise in 2008 after he learned that his cousin, who was in the foster care system, was living in a car. He wanted to help other kids experiencing the same issues. Today, the organization is focused on helping young people experience the foster care system in a new way.
According to its financial report, the organization spent about 92% of its income on programs, while it spent about 6% on general expenses and 2% on fundraising efforts.
Through its various programs, Together We Rise works with social workers, volunteers, and other organizations to help children in the foster care system feel valued and included in their community. The charity provides kids with essential items such as hygiene kits and blankets through its Sweet Cases project. It also provides free bikes and skateboarding equipment to help foster kids keep up with the fun activities in life.
Over the years, Together We Rise has helped over 650,000 children in the US foster care system. In 2020, the organization provided over 200,000 kids with care packages. It also allocated $1.2 million for college scholarships for former foster kids.