Hauppauge, NY – August 24, 2018 – Children living in the foster care system are among our nation’s most vulnerable populations. Often these children have been abused or neglected, which can result in numerous emotional and/or developmental needs, and most youth who age out of the system do not have adequate preparation or support for their transition to independent living.
With over 788 children living in foster care across Long Island, EAC Network operates its Chance to Advance program to increase positive outcomes for youth in foster care. The success of the program would not be possible without the generosity of the local community, and recently the Sterling National Bank Charitable Foundation stepped up to the plate to assist these youth with a generous $10,000 grant.
“At Sterling National Bank, we are committed to making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Daniel Liberty, Senior Managing Director and Senior Vice President at Sterling National Bank. “Chance to Advance shares our vision of empowering underprivileged youth and shaping their future by promoting life skills and enrichment through one-on-one mentoring and group activities. We hope this grant will continue to support the educational and developmental needs of the youth.”
Compared to their peers, this at-risk population is more likely to be homeless, incarcerated, jobless, sex trafficked, or dependent on social services. However, with the support Chance to Advance, youth develop resiliency to help meet and overcome these barriers to self-sufficiency.
“A recent study showed that just 45% of foster youth complete high school and less than 10% attend college or trade school,” said Demishia Owens, Chance to Advance Program Director at EAC Network. “We are delighted that the Sterling National Bank Charitable Foundation has supported our Chance to Advance program so generously, recognizing that 80% of our youth see increases in their academic performance. With this grant, we will be able to increase positive outcomes for even more youth by matching with more volunteer mentors and providing more enrichment activities.”
To learn more about Chance to Advance, visit www.eac-network.org/chance-to-advance.
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About EAC Network
EAC Network is a diverse not-for-profit human service agency that empowers, assists, and cares for over 82,000 children, families, and seniors in crisis across Long Island and New York City. Among those we help are children who have been abused or who are in foster care, people struggling with addiction or mental illness, vulnerable seniors, individuals seeking gainful employment, and more. For more information, visit us at www.eac-network.org, call (516) 539-0150, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @EACNet.
Contact
Alena Jones │ Director of Development & Marketing │ (516) 539-0150 x117 │ alena.jones@eac-network.org
