EAC Network’s Chance to Advance mentors — the selfless individuals who build relationships that encourage personal growth — help shape the lives of youth in foster care. The support they provide has been responsible for improving the quality of life of countless young people. This January, in recognition of National Mentoring Month, we salute those mentors of Chance to Advance who give so much to help others.
Huge thanks to Microsoft in Huntington for hosting a gaming event for youth in our Alternatives for Youth and Chance to Advance programs (and their C2A mentors)! Everyone had a great time!
“My name is Thomas T. Mentoring to me is all about making a difference. When I was growing up in the 60s, the youngest of three, my brother was in Vietnam most of that time, and I really didn’t have anyone to look up to at home. I was bullied at school and wasn’t good at sports. I remember that feeling of feeling alone. This is why I believe in mentoring kids. I retired in 2013, and my kids are grown. I decided I wanted to mentor…”
Did you know that about 70 percent of youth in foster care do not complete high school? Without strong social support, these young people are failing to graduate at an alarming rate. Chance to Advance, one of our foster care programs, is working diligently to reverse this trend on Long…
Young ladies in our Alternatives for Youth (AFY) and Chance to Advance programs recently enjoyed a makeup workshop courtesy of donations of makeup packages by Bare Minerals, lip gloss by J Paige Beauty, and nails by Kiss Nails!
On a day to day basis, what are we doing for others? Do we take the time to volunteer? Do we donate time, goods, or funds as much as we should? It’s not that we don’t want to—life is just so busy that we forget, or think we don’t have the time.
On June 9th, Chance to Advance had a Ladies’ Night Out Fundraiser hosted by Barre-Tique Fitness in Port Jefferson Station. Chance to Advance employees, Barre-Tique staff, and fun-loving supporters of Chance to Advance got together to raise funds and have a great time.
Each year, Chance to Advance awards scholarships from $2,500 to $5,000 for youth enrolled in the program to assist with the cost of college education or secondary school expenses. Melisa, a Chance to Advance scholarship recipient in 2016, recently shared the impact the scholarship has had on her academic progress and her future career goals.
Children in foster care face so many obstacles. They are at a much higher risk of arrest, teen pregnancy, drug addiction, and low self-esteem. But, with a mentor the chances of success are limitless.
Children in the foster care system travel between guardians with little to no possessions and often carry their bare necessities in plastic trash bags. We unfortunately see the heartbreaking circumstances of these children in our Chance to Advance and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs, which reduce risk factors for youth in foster care by providing mentors and educational activities. Every child deserves love and dignity. Luckily, they have real life heroes who are coming to their aid.
Special Thanks
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EAC Network
Attention: Development
99 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd.
Suite 200
Garden City, NY 11530
Thank you again for your generous support!