Aging Out Youth
Children from orphanages often lack the resources needed for life in society.
Our ‘Age Out Youth Program’ allows those that age out of their orphanage to be supported with housing, education, and food in order to begin adulthood with confidence.
Tinges’ Story
“I was born and raised in Southern Ethiopia. My mother became very poor once my father passed away and couldn’t afford for me to go to school so the two of us worked during the day. Everything became too much of a burden on my mother so she released me to an orphanage when I was eleven.
I’m 19 years old now and I’m glad I came to the orphanage because I found God. I still have a relationship with my family, but their life is still the same. I believe one day, God will change it.” - Tinges, Age Out Program
Fellowship + Life Skills
Each month all the youth in our Age Out Program come together for a time of fellowship, food, and encouragement at our Guest House. Since they grew up together, it is one of the highlights of their month!
$150/month supports an aging out teen. What is provided?
-
Housing & Food Support
Once they are of age to move out of the orphanage, we furnish an apartment for 2-4 young adults. All of the youth in our program live in the same neighborhood so that they have a sense of community. They are also provided with grocery money each month.
-
Educational Support
It is vital that the youth in our program focus on their education at this stage in life, as they are typically approaching University. We keep them accountable with staff that regularly checks their grades and in some cases, provide resources like laptops and tools for study.
-
Community & Life Skills
Having grown up in an orphanage, it’s important that they maintain that sense of community with others their age. In addition to having roommates, all the youth come together each month for Life Skills training, food, and fellowship so that they know they belong to a family.