Following a Full Heart is a nonprofit agency providing temporary shelter for young adults who have been released from Foster Care Homes and Juvenile Detention Centers, to assist in finding gainful employment and or assist them in finding and enrolling in job skills improvement /enhancement courses and programs. Designed to develop, undertake, operate, manage and control any and all related assista
nce and support programs which will turn these young adults into productive and law abiding, responsible and independent members of society. The program will form partnerships with local and community colleges, trade schools, businesses and business professionals in order to maximize resources and develop mentoring opportunities and relationships for the youth. Following a Full Heart’s goal is to foster a commitment to disadvantaged young people that will promote total well being and independence by cultivating a strong sense of self-esteem as well as strong interpersonal, business and communication skills. As we believe that only through personal growth and positive relationships, can a sense of individual responsibility be reestablished; which in turn will give youth the commitment to follow through on the path to adulthood with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Due to their current situation and being part of the Foster Care or Juvenile system, these young people have lost faith in the possibilities that await them if they are successful in putting their lives together, therefore, in order to aid, assist and advance the young people, it must be in a caring and inclusive learning environment that will promote their best efforts and reinforces personal respect. Following A Full Heart is a program that is in direct response to the growing number of young people that are being released from the Foster Care and Juvenile system, only to either end up in jail on drugs or homeless due to the lack of support received once becoming of legal age. Currently 50% of the kids in Foster Care are never adopted, which puts them out in the world on their own at the age of 18. Following a Full Heart’s transitional care program will pair a youth with the program for 18 months. During that time, the youth will participate in daily planned activities in order to assist in their transition into young adulthood. The program will prepare the youth for a successful and positive transition to their independence; through various educational and career opportunities in addition to various character building activities and responsibilities. Over time, Following a Full Heart will create an enriching environment that will be an invaluable resource to young people, aspiring mentors and the community at large.
