Each year over 400,000 foster kids “age out” of care with very little support to transition to adulthood. In the state of Ohio there are nearly 2,500 youth who emancipate from care every year without family or stability.
CHOICES offers an independent living program to youth ages 17-21 who are transitioning out of the foster care system. Our team works with the youth, meeting them where they are to reach their educational and vocational goals. During this time we are also working to provide them life skills they will need to become successful young adults. Upon entering this program each youth is provided a furnished apartment with essential items, even then it is just the basics.
Recently we had a young lady preparing for an interview who requested a hair dryer; she had been doing without one for months. However, she knew in this circumstance she needed to look her best. It was at that moment it occurred to us that all of our youth are in need of these items. While many do work part time while in school, their funds are very limited to purchase extras like hair dryers and hair clippers.
We are looking to partner with salons, stylists and good hearted individuals to provide our young people the hair tools and products they need. These items will help them prepare for interviews and school events looking their best. We currently have 37 kids in our program, 22 females and 15 males. We hope that you and your team will consider donating one of the items from this list:
- Clippers
- Hair Dryer
- Hair Straightener
- Curling Iron
- Hair styling products (all ethnicities)
CHOICES would love to work with you to establish a partnership. Your donation could be from the salon a whole, a group of stylists interested helping or individually. All donations are 100% tax deductible and with your permission we would love to recognize your team on our facebook page.
If you have questions or would like to arrange a pick up please feel free to contact either of us using the information below:
Ftazia Leininger – Advisory Committee Member, contact at ftazia@gmail.com
Ashley Pester – Development Director, contact at apester@choicesfostercare.com or (937) 264-0084 ext. 122.
