The R.J. Leonard Foundation is a privately funded nonprofit organization that provides a Fellowship program for young adults aging out of the foster care system.
We aim to provide these at-risk youth with Education First support that will give them the same opportunities as their more fortunate peers.
We believe that a motivated mind is a terrible thing to waste.
We aim to provide these at-risk youth with Education First support that will give them the same opportunities as their more fortunate peers.
We believe that a motivated mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Do you want to learn more?
3%of foster care youth will earn a college degree.
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20%of those who age out of foster care will be homeless.
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50%of those who age out of foster care are unemployed.
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It is therefore critical that these young people maximize their educational opportunities to effectively launch into self sufficiency.
Who You're helping
education-focused at-risk youth
featured fellowThis August, Theresa - a long-time Fellow - completed the internship requirement for her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. This was the final hurdle, the last step toward graduation. Theresa now has a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University. She and especially we could not be prouder!
Theresa has been with the Foundation since 2014. She has a close relationship with her Mentor, as well as the Foundation staff (past and present). Theresa is a single mother to her son - a smart, creative, caring and equally proud soon-to-be 5th grader. While in school, Theresa never slowed down, working up to 3 jobs at a time and always willing to take on extra shifts. Unsurprisingly, her plans moving forward are already in action. She continues to work multiple jobs, adding on employment at her former internship, and is preparing to apply to work in a corrections facility. Because of you and your ongoing support, the R.J. Leonard Foundation was able to help Theresa reach her dream of completing her bachelor's degree! Thank you! |
How You're helpingWhen I first became a Fellow, I was in a bad space, and was at a major risk of dropping out of college. Here I am now, almost finished my Bachelor’s degree. Everything that the foundation has supported me with from educational scholarships, monthly support, workshops, meetings, etc.—I thank you from the bottom of my heart." - Emily B. |
Latest donors
Thank you to our most recent donors for your generous contributions.
Monica Forst |
John Ortolf |
Julie Holcombe |
Paul Dunlevy |
David Taylor |
Mary Augustin |
Thomas McCormick |
The Metzger Family |
John Tierney |
WW Smith Charitable |
Chris Lewis |
James Taylor Agency |
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