The 614 Initiative.
“They’ll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They’ll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new.”
Isaiah 61:4 MSG
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Vision.
Our mission for The 614 Initiative is to stop the generational cycle of child welfare involvement, human trafficking, homelessness, and other daunting statistics that teenagers in foster care are faced with. To raise up a generation of young adults who know who they are and whose they are.
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How.
Through one on one support and mentorship for foster youth transitioning out of foster care into independent living. Mentees will learn valuable life skills that will set them up for success in their future, and continuing to heal from past trauma while uncovering their God-given purpose.
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Why.
Over 20,000 youth age out of foster care every year. 45% end up homeless within 18 months of leaving care. 60% of human trafficking victims have been in foster care. Only 3% go on to earn a college degree. 29% will be in prison within two years. These incredible youth deserve better.
It’s time to rebuild.
We plan to overcome these statistics through an all immersive experience, which will include: one-on-one support and mentorship for foster youth (ages 18-21) transitioning out of foster care into independent living, and on campus apartment living. They will learn valuable life skills that will set them up for success in their future, while also continuing the healing from past trauma and uncovering their God-given purpose. These skills will include: daily living skills, budgeting, parenting, trauma informed counseling, resume building, interview practice, on site job training, college prep, and effective networking. While in the program, they are required to choose a track:
College (or trade school)
Job Training (local business partnerships)
The students will have the opportunity to live at the apartment for two years. During that time, they will be required to pay a portion of their monthly income for rent, and upon successful completion of the program, they will receive it all back as our investment into their future.
A place to call home.
Youth will live for two years in an apartment complex made up of 32 (1 bed, 1 bath) fully furnished units. The lower level will function as a community space for the residents, including computers, meeting rooms, office space, and more. Youth will be able to socialize, study, and meet with their mentor in a modern and community based setting.
What we need.
$7.5 million
The need for change in the foster care system continues to grow. Statistics show that over 20,000 youth age out of foster care yearly. Without implementing real change... incarceration, teen pregnancy, homelessness, human trafficking, substance abuse, and the generational cycle of child welfare involvement will continue to rise in our communities. Therefore, Make It Matter: The Collective will continue to reach, respond, and aid in restoring hope to foster youth across the United States. We will not stop fighting to remind these youth that they matter, and they are worth fighting for.
Together, let’s make it matter.