The Junior League of Columbus’ Signature Project, Bridging the G.A.P. (Guide. Advocate. Provide.), supports youth aging out of the foster care system.

When youth in foster care turn 18, they are no longer part of the foster care system, and many find themselves living alone, without the support, resources, and guidance of a stable family or other caring adults in their lives. Each year in Ohio alone, close to 1,000 youth transition out of the foster care system. The Junior League of Columbus (JLC) is working diligently to find ways to guide, advocate, and provide for our local youth in need.

PROJECT GUIDE

Project Guide delivers two types of crucial developmental opportunities for young adults: life skills education and enrichment workshops. These focus areas for Project Guide were developed based on input from community partners, such as Franklin County Children’s Services (FCCS), Huckleberry House, and Star House (Carol Stewart Village).

The JLC partners with FCCS three times a year on a 10-week life skills program for young adults in foster care who are graduating from high school. Class topics range from personal finance to rental housing to interview skills and aim to prepare participants for independent living. JLC members with relevant experience teach or co-teach certain classes.

For enrichment activities, the JLC provides opportunities for positive interactions and developing new skills or hobbies. Workshops vary based on youth interests and the knowledge areas of JLC members, and cover topics such as self defense, cooking, fitness, or crafting.

PROJECT ADVOCATE

Project Advocate focuses on educating JLC members and the community about transitional-age foster youth, as well as partnering with other organizations to back related legislative initiatives.

Every May, we manage a social media campaign to raise awareness during National Foster Care Month. This campaign’s goal is to raise awareness for, increase support of, and encourage engagement with young adults aging out of the foster care system.

JLC advocates for legislation in support of foster youth. JLC members advocated for a bill that established a Youth Ombudsman’s office, helping amplify the voices of young people in the child welfare system and allowing them to advocate for themselves and their future. This year, the JLC continues to partner with organizations like Foster ACTION Ohio to lend support to legislative priorities, such as a tuition waiver program for college students with prior experience in foster care.

PROJECT PROVIDE

Through Project Provide, the JLC provides youth aging out of foster care with household necessities as they transition to independent living. JLC partners with FCCS to provide Apartments in a Suitcase for young people graduating out of the foster care system every spring. JLC members fill suitcases with household necessities, such as dishes, cooking utensils, towels, shower curtains, and laundry bags, and young people pick up the suitcases at a graduation ceremony in June.

JLC also partners with Huckleberry House to manage an annual Holiday Gift Drive to provide hundreds of presents for young people who are at-risk or homeless in Central Ohio every December.

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