“Our event goals are to raise SIYA’s profile in the community while also raising funds for our capital campaign to purchase a suitable property for a transitional living community dedicated to SWFL’s at-risk young adults,” states SIYA President and Founder, Jan Sommer.
Every year in SWFL, dozens of foster youth turn 18 and ‘age out’ of foster care. Very few graduate from high school, even fewer graduate from college and only 3%1 have full time jobs. SIYA is committed to making a positive impact on these statistics.
Today, SIYA provides individualized support, guidance, life skills and mentoring. Equally important and what sets the young nonprofit apart is its commitment to building a supportive community and social capital emphasizing community, empowerment, accountability, integrity, respect and tenacity for its young adults. “We create a community that emulates a family environment. Our young adults can call us when they need us. We don’t close at 5:00,” said SIYA’s Vice President and Founder, Jane Bell.
Tomorrow, SIYA’s long term plan is to offer a transitional living community to at-risk young adults in SWFL. Their vision is to offer individual apartments where at-risk young adults will learn to live on their own with the support and guidance of the larger SIYA community which will include caring adult volunteers as well as various professionals such as financial planners, mental health professionals, educational advisors, etc. Also important is the ability to offer classes, workshops and social activities in a purpose-built community center located within the transitional living community.
For more information about sponsoring or attending SIYA’s inaugural event, please contact Lori Burke, ph: 239.206.3294 or email: lorib@siyacommunity.org or visit SIYA’s website, www.siyacommunity.org.
