Like most people I love to peruse social media for news of the day or for interesting insights on subjects I care about.  Recently I read a very compelling and honest article titled, “Pipeline to Homelessness: Aging out of the Foster Care System.”   The article details the challenges teens face as they age out of the foster care system. 

Because of my work at Gladney, I was familiar with the very bleak outcomes associated with teens aging of foster care.  Outcomes including, homelessness, trauma and mental illness, unplanned pregnancy and criminal activity, but what I liked about the article was the call to action for hope.  And this is where I see Gladney.  We can work together and be the hope for these kids.  Because there is a surprisingly simple answer.  Find homes for children who need them.  Gladney believes every child deserves a loving and caring home.  I am very proud and excited about the focus Gladney is giving this issue.  New initiatives include:

• Gladney home for girls in foster care between the ages of 11-18 with a focus on finding a loving, caring and permanent family for the girls in the home.
• Long-term programming for women who age out of the foster care system.  Next Steps is a program that provides job and life skills training and support to girls who are aging out of the foster care system.
• Foster Care Task Force dedicated to understanding and solving the challenges associated with finding permanent homes for children in care. 
• Providing long-term education and support to families who are adopting children from foster care.  Creating strong families!

If you believe we can be a part of the solution to children aging out of foster care, I ask you to please consider the following.

• Learn about adopting from foster care (this is a no fee program)
• Educate your network about the issues facing children in foster care
• Donate to helping Gladney fund our programming
• Volunteer to help serve the needs of girls in the Gladney Home