Many former foster youth are working towards brighter futures..but getting to and from their destinations isn't easy.
San Antonio, Texas (PRWEB) May 16, 2016
For hundreds of San Antonio youth making the often difficult transition from foster care to life on their own, challenges await around every corner. Often removed from the care of their families due to neglect and abuse, many former foster youth are working towards brighter futures by working or going to school. But getting to and from their destinations isn’t easy because most do not have the funds to secure a reliable means of transportation.
Thanks to a generous $10,000 donation from the Najim Family Foundation, however, dozens of foster youth in our community will receive monthly bus passes from THRU Project, an organization established to help youth overcome the challenges of growing up in the foster care system. THRU Project, a 501(c) 3 non-profit, provides guidance, support and advocacy in order to prepare them for life after foster care.
“THRU Project is beyond grateful to the Najim Family Foundation for their $10,000 grant to support our Pass to Success program,” said Elaine Hartle, Executive Director of THRU Project.. “Pass to Success provides THRU Project youth with a monthly bus pass enabling them to find and maintain employment, attend school and to obtain the resources needed for housing and health.
“For example, Aaron came to our program three months ago homeless and unable to see a way out of his situation. His bus pass has enabled him to work consistently for the last two months and his Advisor has helped him connect to resources that have provided temporary housing. The bus pass provided by THRU Project was the first step in supporting Aaron in his transition from homeless to hopeful.”
There are many other youth with similar stories to Aaron’s. Hartle says THRU Project needs approximately $20,000 to furnish bus passes to former foster youth in our community who currently need them. In previous years, the bus passes were donated to the program. This year, THRU Project must work to secure funding to purchase them. The Najim Family Foundation’s generous grant gets the organization half way there.
Anyone wishing to donate directly to the Pass to Success program can make a contribution online at http://www.THRUProject.org.
In addition to important physical resources such as bus passes, cell phones and other daily needs, THRU Project also supports former foster youth through its Youth Advisor program.
To learn more, contact THRU Project at info(at)THRUProject(dot)org.
About THRU Project:
THRU Project, founded in 2011, is a non-profit organization that supports foster youth as they age out of the foster care system. Oftentimes, these kids are alone and have no one to guide them through this critical time. Many of them end up pregnant, homeless or incarcerated. THRU Project recruits and train advisors to provide them one-on-one guidance. THRU Project helps them get a job, apply for college and set up an apartment. THRU Project’s mission is to provide them with the resources to achieve a successful life.