Future Link
February 2013
 Photo: Future Link
|
Changing the Destination for Disadvantaged Youth in Montgomery County
Future Link is so appreciative of The Wolpoff Family Foundation’s support. The grant you awarded us is being used for engaging, great programming and yielding impactful results. Future Link serves young adults aging out of foster care, first generation college students and youth who have experienced homelessness, addiction, incarceration and/or abuse. We provide the support, resources and positive adult role models to provide the critical next step for youth seeking a fair chance to achieve self-sufficiency. The Wolpoff Family Foundation has awarded Future Link a grant to launch a one year pilot program for seminar alumni for Continued Career Development and Social Engagement (building on The Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation Funding for Career Immersion Activities incorporated into the seminar program). Future Link students have a desire to stay connected and to feel part of something, in this case the Future Link family. Limited resources have prevented our organization from formalizing the continued engagement of Seminar alumni. The goal of the pilot is to conduct workshops (3-4 per year) for current Seminar students and graduates on topics essential to their success. Initial topics under consideration are professional networking, resume development, financial literacy, workplace skills, communication skills, dressing for success, and healthy mind, healthy body. All would build on and reinforce what students learn in our very successful 14 week Self-Advocacy Skills and Career Development Seminar. In addition to the academic topics, we would conduct two social events each year, so that students continue to maintain their relationships, share their life experiences and encourage and support each other. Here’s what some of our students have said about our programs: “I can’t wait for the next one. It was so much fun. I really enjoyed being a part of this and it was great to meet other Future Link students not in my class.” Yamu “I used the resume I created at a job interview. I got the job. Future Link is so helpful. I’m so excited for the HR workshop.” Kylah “Make sure I am invited to the next one. I love learning things that will help me get ahead. Plus, it’s really cool to hang out with my Future Link family.” Andie |