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RJLF Newsletter - July

7/19/2017

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Summer! A time to embrace activity and celebrate the end of winter blues and spring storms. For many of us, the summer means we’re that much closer to an anticipated vacation, but for youth aging out of the foster care system, vacation is more like a dream. 
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The R.J. Leonard Foundation invites you to be the person who makes the idea of “getting away” a reality for our Fellows. Any amount allows Fellows to experience a break from the adversities they're accustomed to:
$10 - a beach pass to the Jersey shore

$50 - two tickets to Delaware River Tubing 

$100 - two passes for Six Flags
Give the Gift of Summer

​Monthly gifts of any amount allow RJLF to provide sustainable resources to our Fellows, summertime and beyond! Talk to us about how you can become a supportive constant in our Fellows' lives, and read on to see the value in a donation to the R.J. Leonard Foundation.

RJLF Workshop: Networking and Building Relationships

85% of all jobs are filled via networking. Our most recent workshop centered around networking and building relationships. In this short video, workshop presenter and RJLF board member Sameer Somal explains why relationship building is important for young adults impacted by foster care.

 Featured Fellow: Carl*

In the fall of 2015, Carl was uncertain how he would pay next month’s rent or make payments on his car. He felt his dreams to continue his education and make a better life for himself slipping away.

When Carl was referred to RJLF in October of 2015, he worked closely with his new Mentor and our team to establish steps towards his goal to pursue a career in technology and achieve a stable income. We referred Carl to Zip Code Wilmington, 
assisted him in the application process for this competitive and rigorous coding program, and provided Carl with a grant that assisted with his living expenses. This support enabled Carl to focus on his studies and start his career.

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RJLF is proud to share that Carl successfully completed the program in December of 2016, and currently works for JPMorgan Chase as a technology analyst! The support of generous donors and invaluable Mentors allows us to carry out impactful work and empower our Fellows to succeed. 

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Carl sums his achievements up well in a recent note to RJLF:  “A year ago this month, RJLF was helping me keep food in the fridge and supporting the insane undertaking which resulted in my attending Zip Code Wilmington and eventually winding up where I am now.  You all helped make that happen, and I hope you savor the positive changes you make in the lives of individuals who desperately need a shot at doing more."

Featured Mentors: Barb and John

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John Ortolf met RJLF founder Jo Leonard in 2012 and quickly became a believer in our mission. A year later, he was on the board, using his experience as an advisor for Wells Fargo to improve the lives of young people aging out of foster care.

When RJLF needed a Mentor for Theresa* in 2015, John asked his wife Barb if she would become her Mentor. Barb agreed, but wanted to share the responsibility, and a mentoring partnership was formed between them.

​We asked about how their mentoring experience impacted them, and how they have impacted their Fellow. Their response was inspiring:

“It is rewarding to work with our Fellow, and interesting to see her grow and mature over the years. She is a talented and very motivated young woman who just needs guidance to see all the opportunities available to her… We have been very impressed with her motivation and resourcefulness. She bought a house last year which is quite an accomplishment for any young person in their early twenties. She was able to do this while working, attending school, and caring for her young son. She is a remarkable young woman.”

*Names have been changed to reflect anonymity.

Upcoming: Cedarbrook 2017

RJLF's Biggest Annual Fundraiser!
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Our third annual fundraiser will take place on Friday, October 6th, 2017. Enjoy delicious drinks and eats, bid on fabulous auction items, and help us celebrate our successes in style. Mark your calendars and watch your inbox for a formal invitation.
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info@rjleonardfoundation.org
1-(833) 4RJ-LFND
1-(833)475-5363
P.O. Box 1138
​Doylestown, PA 18901
RJLF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization
​© RJ Leonard Foundation, 2020
​Website by Madeline Hunt
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