Imagine being an older youth in foster care who never established the long-term connections we all need, yet on their 21st birthday they’ve “aged out” of the system. Can you imagine what it must be like to suddenly be on your own, struggling so you don’t find yourself either homeless or experiencing the anxiety of being in a temporary housing program? Chances are this young person doesn’t have a trusted adult to help them navigate employment challenges or financial difficulties. How many of us had someone we could go to for advice on buying our first car, or figuring out how to file our first tax return?
Family & Youth Initiative (DCFYI) has launched a program to help youth who have aged out of DC foster care. The program, Open Table, uses six to eight volunteer Table Members who help guide one young adult as they achieve goals they’ve set for themselves. Table Members commit to seven weeks of online training, then one-hour weekly meetings for a year. In addition, volunteers will sometimes spend an additional two or three hours during the week with the young adult to walk with them as they go for their first driver’s license; or look at a potential apartment; or even learn how to do their grocery shopping---whatever they have identified as a goal.
Be the answer for a young person who is looking for consistent adult support. Not only will you get to build a relationship with a resilient, resourceful young person but you’ll help them get started in life. DCFYI is looking for enough Open Table volunteers to serve every young adult who aged out of foster care and needs and wants a social safety net. According to DC Child & Family Services, 40 young adults aged out of care in FY 2021. DCFYI has identified youth who would like Tables: one of them may be waiting for you!
You’re invited to an Introductory online meeting where we’ll share more details about the Open Table program. The meeting will last about an hour, and we’ll be available afterwards for anyone who wants to stay on and ask questions. Please join us Thursday night, July 14 at 7:00PM or Wednesday Night, July 20 at 7pm. Just email Patrick@DCFYI.org to register.
