Aspiranet, Ashley Furniture continue to build bridge between foster care and independence

LOS ANGELES - Oct. 15, 2015 - PRLog -- Most young adults have parents who will support them through their transition into adulthood, and often beyond – whether it is helping them open a checking account, applying for their first job, or driving them off to college with a car full of necessities. However, for many in foster care, the scenario can be quite different.

While this new chapter in the lives of these individuals should be a positive experience, the sad reality is about 5,000 18-21 year olds in California transition from the foster care system into independent living. The statistics illustrating what life after foster care is like for these young adults are even more disheartening, as about 65 percent leave foster care without a place to live, less than 60 percent graduate high school or obtain their GED, and less than 5 percent will go off to college.

Ashley Furniture, the largest manufacturer of furniture in the world, is continuing its partnership with leading California human services agency Aspiranet, which specializes in working with transitional aged youth (TAY), and will donate six furniture sets to former foster youth. Furniture items include bed sets, chests of drawers, sofas and coffee tables.

“As a provider of Transitional Age Youth Services, the funding we receive allows us to meet the basic needs of these former foster youth,” explains Jeannie Imelio, Executive Director for Aspiranet. “This donation allows us to provide enriched opportunities, and  goes well beyond what the youth can even imagine for their first home.  It helps to create a warm, safe, and well-equipped space for them to start their adult life.”

Aspiranet’s Transitional Housing Placement Plus Foster Care (THP Plus FC) Program offers transitional age youth throughout California the option to live in a multi-family housing unit or a single site. In addition to housing, young adults in the program also receive support for basic needs, emotional support, jobs and education.

“It’s important we shed a light on the obstacles facing youth transitioning out of foster care,” said John Santos, Ashley Furniture Regional Manager. “It is heartwarming to know that we will be able to give these young adults some essential items that will make their house feel like a home, and peace of mind knowing they can focus on pursuing their educational and career dreams without the worry of balancing basic day-to-day needs.”

To learn more about Aspiranet’s services for transitional age foster youth, visit www.aspiranettransitions.org.

About Aspiranet

Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) strengthens children, youth, families and communities through seven core programs including: Foster Care, Adoption, Residential, Transition Age Youth, Behavioral Health, Intensive Home Based Services and Family and Community Services throughout 45 locations within California.

Founded in 1975 as a six-bed group home for young boys in Moss Beach, Calif., Aspiranet is one of the most diverse nonprofit social service agencies in the state. With a statewide network of innovative services, Aspiranet serves more than 10,000 families each year. For more information, please visit www.aspiranet.org.