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7 Hampton Roads Gazeti October 2015
New Vision Youth Services
Remember when you were 17 years old
and full of rebellious teenage energy? Now
imagine that when you woke up on your
18th birthday, you were all alone. Imagine
having to navigate the "real world" all by
yourself at that tender age. Sure, at 18 you
might have felt like an adult, but as you got
older and gained perspective, you realized
you still had a lot to learn and needed a lot
of support and guidance. What if you had
no one--no family, no support system at all?
That is the predicament 18-year-olds face
each year when they "age out" of the U.S.
foster care system.
Chelsea-Badeau, Comcast.net News
M
oving out on their own is chal-
lenging for most any young
adult. For Virginia's more than
500 18-year-olds aging out of foster care
each year, the challenges are greatly mag-
nified.
Foster children are wards of the state
untilage18,atwhichpointtheyareeman-
cipated. These young adults who, through
nofaultoftheirown,lackafamilysupport
system, are largely left on their own to
flounder and succeed or fail at being pro-
ductive adults.
Many foster children are placed in lov-
inghomesanddofineinyoungadulthood.
Butthemajorityarefacedwithinadequate
schooling, due to being placed in multiple
homes and transferring schools.
Low self-esteem and lack of family ties
also take a toll of these young adults, leav-
ing them generally unprepared for life and
at risk of homelessness, unemployment,
dropping out of school, and involvement
in the criminal justice system.
And according to USA Today, research
shows that most victims of sex trafficking
come straight from the foster care system.
New Vision Youth Services seeks to
bridge the gap by helping disadvantaged
youth and young adults who're aging out
of the foster care system.
Founded in 2009 by Clara Wilson, ex-
ecutive director, New Vision focuses on
providing them the knowledge, resources
and tools needed to prepare for indepen-
dent living. Working with a network of
otherorganizations,theyhaveservedhun-
dreds of foster youth, helping them navi-
gate the tricky route to stability.
Servicesincludelifeskillstraining,edu-
cational and school-related services, job
readiness, information and referrals, and
health/nutrition information.
The organization also serves an advo-
cacy role and keeps the youth informed
about new legislation they need to know
about.
Mrs. Wilson points out that recent
changes to the housing stipend for those
leaving the system have created new chal-
lenges. Previously, some former foster
youths were allowed to continue living
with foster parents until age 21, with sti-
pends going to the foster parents.
Now the $644 monthly stipend is paid
directly to the youths, who are left to find
housing on their own. In order to be eli-
gible, they must both attend school and
work. With no family support, most are
ill-equippedtomakemajordecisionssuch
as finding an affordable place to live, ar-
ranging transportation, or navigating the
education system.
Noteveryoneleavingthesystemisready
to work. If they lack the skills to get a job,
they're not ready to live on their own. But
some are forced into it.
“The Extended Family Connection” is
a New Vision program for aged-out foster
youth who are enrolled in college. It seeks
to connect them with mentors who serve
as life coaches.
"The goal is to have a caring adult who,
like an extended family member, will pro-
vide a listening ear and be there for them,"
Mrs.Wilsonnoted.Mentorsaren'texpect-
edtobechaperonesortakementeesonso-
cialoutings.Instead,theywillhelpwithlife
skillsandproblemsolving—suchasmak-
ingagrocerybudgetorroleplayingbefore
a job interview or helping to choose a cell
phoneplan.Helpwithfindingfurnitureor
household supplies are other examples of
assistance that may be needed.
Eachmentorispartneredwithastudent
inaone-yearrelationship,helpingtoiden-
tify resources and learn skills that will help
them become self-sufficient by age 21.
"Just having someone to cheer them up
or to walk them through changing a tire,"
issuchabighelp,"Mrs.Wilsonstated."Be-
ing away at college during holidays, when
thedormcloses,andnothavingahometo
return to at a time when family is valued
themost,isanotherroughtimeforformer
foster youth."
MichaelStrotherJr.,28,recentlybecame
a mentor. A college student majoring in
social work, he gained mentoring expe-
rience as a volunteer for other youth pro-
grams.
"I am deeply rooted in the community,
so I understand the importance of helping
foster care youth bridge the gap, making
ethical decisions, avoiding poverty, and
becoming self-sufficient and successful
youngadults,"hesaid."Mentoring,forme,
is a wonderful way to give back to the
community."
New Vision file photo
"I am excited to be with New Vision,
whichsharesmypassionforhelpingfoster
care youth facing real world challenges. I
personallyknowthesignificanceofhaving
a listening ear and a strong family support
system in a time of need."
Mentors must be at least 21, agree to a
background check, and complete a four-
hour training session. Mentors are needed
in all Hampton Roads cities, especially in
Newport News.
"New Vision Youth Services envisions a
community in which every youth experi-
ences nurturing one-to-one relationships
and community support," Mrs. Wilson
ended. "This will allow each of them to
develop into their full potential, capable of
makinginformed,responsibledecisionsas
involved members of our community."
New Vision will host a showing of
its new film, "Foster Care: My Story ­­—
Bridging the Gap" on Monday, October
20, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Indian River Li-
brary, 2320 Old Greenbrier Road in Ches-
apeake. Attendance is free and open to the
community.
To become a
mentor or
volunteer, or make
a donation:
www.newvision-
youthservicesinc.
Mentors needed to help aging-out foster youth succeed in college
Above, the cover photo for a short film titled "Foster Care: My Story ­­—
Bridging the Gap." In it founder Clara Wilson, at right, shares her experiences
involving the many problems faced by youth in foster care.