LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 26, 2012) - Imagine that on your 18th birthday, you were "set free." No parents or family support. No car. No home. No food. No money. Where would you go?
For many foster youth, this is their reality. Current statistics show that 36% of foster youth are homeless within eighteen months of leaving the foster care system.
These youth are faced with employment challenges and educational set-backs. In addition, many of these youth have experienced emotional or physical trauma that has left them with anxiety, depression, and sometimes other behavioral health issues.
Centers for Youth and Families has a vision to establish an independent living program to equip 18-21 year old youth living with behavioral health issues for successful, self-sufficient adulthood.
Many of the participants served by this program are former foster youth who are entering the formative adult years with little to no family support - emotionally, educationally, or financially. Others are young adults whose families have abandoned them as they are now "adults". The Centers' dream is to help guide them to the path of discovery, self-discipline, and wisdom for success.
To complete this goal, Centers is hosting their 3rd annual Dog Days of Summer Golf Tournament on Monday, August 13 at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock. It's a 9-hole, 3-person scramble. Cost is $75 per individual and $225 per team. This includes golf fees, a cart and a practice range.
If you are planning to participate in the golf tournament, there will be a kick off party on Thursday, August 9 at Bess Chisum Stephens Community Center (1200 South Cleveland, Little Rock) from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $40 and there will be live music from Boom Kinetic, a silent auction, food, cocktails and more.
For tickets and more information, click here.
These events are all part of Dog Days of Summer, created by Centers' 'Emerging Philanthropists', a group of young professionals that meets monthly for personal and professional development, and to find ways to support Centers' mission.
(Source: Centers for Youth and Families)