For young adults who have aged out of foster care, the holidays are isolating . Imagine living in independent housing or a group home, wondering where you will be this time next year. There are no holiday traditions. The R.J. Leonard Foundation invites you to support our Fellows this holiday season. Empower these bright young adults to succeed through scholarships and enrichment opportunities. Featured Fellow: Joseph*Joseph spent most of his early life in and out of different group homes. Despite graduating high school and being extremely independent, he did not think he would be capable of success in college. His main concern was to find employment and pay his bills. When Joseph was referred to RJLF by the county, he was a contract maintenance worker. We were able to quickly match him with a Mentor who assisted him with his goal to secure full-time employment. He tells us he has learned a lot working in an office as an account specialist. “My Mentor…is awesome. Having his listening ear and encouragement has been so great.” Now, Joseph is taking evening classes that he loves, and wants to pursue a job in social work. “The support I’ve received from [my Mentor] Tom and RJLF has been amazing.” RJLF Joyfully Welcomes Two New Mentors |
John is a retired Ernest & Young partner who currently participates in multiple not-for-profit activities. After hearing about RJLF through his parish, he was told about our need for a Mentor to our Fellow Jason.* “We are still learning about each other,” said John. “We are working to set meaningful and specific goals … I hope that whatever guidance I provide, that Jason finds [it] meaningful. I want to take whatever we discuss last week and move it forward.” *Names changed to protect identity | As a teacher, Pam was already alarmed by the number of children she has seen enter foster care. Her husband was the Master of Ceremony for our recent fundraising event, Heart for Change . Pam was moved by our board member and Fellow Miles’s keynote speech . “[The] stories I heard of Fellows being positively impacted and their lives changed…I was completely moved by the whole event.” Pam is excited to build her relationship with our Fellow, Emily.* “They possess the power that determines their destiny.” |
In the News: Foster Care, Aging Out, and Mentorship
Pennsylvania | National |
The end of the year is near. make Your year-end gift today.
* Names and identifying information have been changed to protect the confidentiality and safety of Fellows involved in the R.J. Leonard Foundation's programming.
Categories
All
Dare To Dream
Dear RJLF
Friends Launching Futures
From The Founder
Mentor Minutes
News
Newsletters
Press
Upcoming Events
Archives
July 2024
May 2024
May 2023
April 2023
March 2023
February 2023
January 2023
December 2022
November 2022
October 2022
September 2022
August 2022
July 2022
June 2022
May 2022
April 2022
March 2022
February 2022
January 2022
December 2021
November 2021
October 2021
September 2021
August 2021
July 2021
June 2021
May 2021
April 2021
March 2021
February 2021
January 2021
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
January 2020
December 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
May 2019
February 2019
December 2018
November 2018
October 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
April 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
August 2017
July 2017
April 2017