Children do not end up in foster care without trauma, and being in foster care only adds to the trauma. Those who have aged out of the system have not been given the opportunity to learn decision-making skills. Then, once becoming an adult, they are expected to make every decision without support. The consequences are severe.
This is where Hope + Vine steps in with a desire to create real, authentic relationships that allow these young women to feel safe. Where they can trust in the support they are being offered. Where they can believe in their God-given worth, and not feel like a transaction. It is within these relationships and environment they can discover a path to real healing and experience transformation.
The Structure to Help Them Grow
Hope + Vine Supports Women in the following seven areas:
Housing: Even though we do not provide housing, we are able to connect a woman who has an immediate, short-term need with temporary housing provided by generous people in our community. Additionally, we are able to connect women with housing for 1-3 years through organizational partnerships.
Employment/Education: We provide support and encouragement for women who are obtaining their GED, certificate, or college degree, including mentoring them through the decision-making process to discern appropriate steps toward their ultimate goals.
Additionally, we partner with community businesses who are able to hire qualified women and help them transition to full-time, stable employment.
Mental Health: We provide access to effective therapists who are helping them overcome trauma.
Physical/Emotional Health: We provide regular opportunities to address life-skills that encompass healthy living and mindset.
Financial Health: We provide access to financial coaches who help them set a budget, get out of debt, and start saving.
Spiritual Health: We provide daily devotionals that promote conversation about God’s love. We do not require our women to profess any particular faith or belief—rather we meet them where they are. For some, this may mean they are desiring a Bible study. For others, it means we show them the love of Christ through our words and actions.
Supportive Community: We provide connection with other women who have transitioned out of foster care and understand the struggles. Additionally, we encourage them to find their own supportive community outside of foster care through church or a community organization.
Life Skill Intensives to Help Them Thrive
Up to this point, we have been able to provide this support as needs have been presented. In order to better serve these women, and additional women in the near future, we need to formalize our method. It is time to be proactive, rather than reactive.
This is why we are launching our Life Skill Intensives in addition to the employment we provide. One day a week, we will be gathering in the “living room” inside our studio space. This day will consist of classes and discussion to dive in deeper to these topics. These intensives will address each of our key seven areas and provide better success for the participants.
A Place for Your Talent and Treasure to Bloom in Others
Our community, YOU!, have so much wisdom and support to offer these women. We invite you to join us in this new venture!
Do you have expertise in these areas you would like to share?
Would you or your business like to sponsor a woman who is attending these classes?
- $5,040 covers the cost of a woman’s time for being in class for an entire year
- $1,240 covers an entire year of mental health classes for one woman
- $1,056 covers an entire year of financial coaching classes for one woman
- $724 covers a half-year of health and nutrition classes for one woman
- $305 covers a six-week session of parenting classes
- $282 covers an eight-week session of employment readiness classes for one woman
Items seen in photo: Hope Hoodie, Mended Earrings, Hope Earrings, Fearless Shirt, Promise Earrings, Joy Earrings, Hope Shirt, Abide Necklace