Fostering Independence, Inc

When We lift each other up, everyone wins.

Helping vulnerable young people with opportunities to succeed 

 

About

 
 

Fostering Independence has been assisting

vulnerable young adults since 2017. It all began when we partnered with Boys Hope Girls Hope and provided dorm supplies to the scholars heading off to college. Since then, we have worked closely with Summit County Children’s Services, Akron Public School Project Rise and Harmony House to provide dorm and apartment household items to young adults that have aged out of foster care and to young adults that lack parental support through no fault of their own.

 
 

Fostering Independence currently serves Summit County young adults who are aging out of the foster care system and young adults aged 18-24 who lack parental support. Generally, at age 18, assistance and custodial rights cease, and many foster teens are left to fend for themselves.

Youth aging out of the foster care system face serious challenges adjusting to life on their own. Studies show many of these youths end up living on the street or incarcerated - lacking both the money for basic life expenses and the social support needed to survive on their own. While turning 18 can be an exciting time for many youths, for those in the foster care system it is a time of high anxiety, stress and uncertainty.

Fostering Independence supports the organizations that are mentoring, advising, and assisting with job training and higher education by providing household items when the young adults obtain housing. We hope to foster a sense of caring and confidence in these young adults and assist them in finding opportunities to succeed. These high-risk and vulnerable youth make up a portion of our society that is often overlooked and they depend on us to provide the support they need to succeed. When we lift each other up, everyone wins.

Volunteer Opportunities

Delivery Coordinator or volunteer

Warehouse/Inventory Manager or volunteer

Receive requests of wish lists items from case workers at Summit County Children’s Services, Project Rise, Harmony House or any other approved partner and organize volunteers to make the delivery. Notify warehouse/inventory of items requested.

Maintain and organize inventory. Notify Executive Director when inventory is low. Obtain request form and pack items for pickup and delivery.

Fundraising

Grant Writing

Collection Drive

Work closely with our Development Director and Resource Director to plan a unique, fun and prosperous evening.

Write, apply for and obtain grants.

Work with our Development Director to organize corporate collection drives.

Social Media

Maintain presence on social media and keep website up to date

 
Delivery picture March 2018.JPG

Items packed and ready for delivery

Wish Lists

For the Kitchen:

  • Service for 4: plates, bowls, flatware, glassware & mugs

  •  Pots & pans

  •  cooking utensils & can opener

  •  mixing bowls

  • Measuring cups & spoons

  • 13" X 9" Casserole

  • Cookie sheet

  • Serving platters & bowls

  • Cutting board

  • Knives

  • Colander

  • Hot mitts and dish towels

  • Food storage containers

  • Kitchen trash can & bags

fOR THE BATHROOM AND BEDROOM:

  • Shower curtain, liner and rings

  • Towels (preferably white)

  • Bath rug

  • Plunger & toilet scrubber

  • Small trash can

  • 2 pillows

  • Queen/Full mattress pad

  •  Queen/full sheet set

  • Queen/full blanket

  • Queen/full comforter set

MISCELLANEOUS:

  • Broom & dustpan

  • Mop & bucket

  • Dish soap, cleaning towels/sponges

  • Laundry soap, hamper & hangers

  • Toothbrush & paste

  • Bar of soap

  • First aid kit

  • Umbrella

 

Dorm items ready to deliver

DORM ROOM NEEDS:

 

  • XL-Twin sheets, mattress pad, blanket and comforter set

  • Pillow

  • Towels: bath, hand, face

  • Laundry bag, laundry soap & hangers

  • Alarm clock

  • Under the bed storage bin

  • Dry erase board and markers

  • Bulletin board and push pins

 

  • Shower caddy

    Liquid body wash

  • First aid kit

  • Umbrella

  • Backpack

  • Power strip

  • Flashlight

  • Fan

  • Desk lamp,

 
 

Contact Us

YOU can make a difference today -- by joining our team of volunteers with deliveries, helping in the warehouse/inventory, collection drives, fundraising, grant writing or social media.

If you are interested joining the Fostering Independence Team, we would love to hear from you! Send us a detailed message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. 

 

Please complete the form below

 

DONATE

  Please use the Venmo ID or QR code below to make a donation.

We also accept checks mailed to:

Fostering Independence
PO Box 364
Bath, Ohio 44210