Learn More About An Evening of H.O.P.E. Gala

February 18, 2012
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando®

The Faine House

In April 2009, Children's Home Society of Florida and Jeff Faine, Center for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, came together for a common goal. The Faine House, A Project of H.O.P.E. (Home of Positive Encouragement) was conceptualized as a safe haven for youth who have turned 18 in Florida's child welfare system. These children have been in the foster care system for years – many for most of their lives. These teens, many of whom have not graduated from high school, become responsible for all of life’s necessities including shelter, food and clothing at 18 years old. The focus of the Faine House is to help these teens complete their education, to development employment and independent living skills while providing a safe and stable place to live.

The Faine House will link youth with existing programs for case management, employment skills training, mentoring, education, and health—all essential elements to ensure long term success and life satisfaction. Integrating cultural, cognitive, emotional and social factors, The Faine House will encourage youth to create a positive sense of self and a sense that s/he is valued by others. With help from an advisor, each youth will develop a “life plan” focused on skill and asset development in four main areas; housing, education, employment and transportation to ensure that they are successful when they complete the program. Additionally, advisors teach life skills such as budgeting and interviewing.

Education and employment are a focus in the home. Resident Advisors will help the youth identify their goals and steps to achieving those goals through education. Whether a youth wants a four-year degree or to obtain a certificate in a trade, the priority is developing skills to obtain employment with a livable wage. The Faine House also helps the youth make community connections with local business owners who will take a vested interest in mentoring and teaching the youth skills necessary for success in the workplace.

A project such as this accomplishes many things. It provides for the immediate needs for a group of young adults who want better lives and teaches them the skills necessary to live, and to work and be productive residents in their community. Most importantly, though, this opportunity gives them the skills necessary to be better parents to the children they may one day have, and that helps to break the cycle of child abuse.

The Faine House Will Open in 2012!

Through the generosity of the Central Florida community and others, Children’s Home Society of Florida recently selected a site for The Faine House, is completing architectural drawings in the coming months and will soon begin construction for this incredible home and opportunity to enhance the lies of faster care youth in our community. The Faine House is targeted to open its doors by summer 2012.

Why Support The Faine House? The Odds Against Foster Care Teens at 18 Years Old:

• Within 1 year of turning 18:
o 25% become homeless (As many as 36% will experience homelessness at some point in their lives.)¹

• Within 2 years of turning 18:
o 61% have no job experience
o 66% did not complete high school
o More than 50% are unemployed
o 60% of the young women become mothers²

Research Supports The Faine House Program Model

Studies show programs similar to The Faine House:
• Improve school performance
• Increase employment experience
• Decrease mental health problems³
• Dramatically increase the successful transition to independent adulthood⁴

Comparing youth supported by these programs until the age of 21 v. youth with no supports after 18:
• 68% continued their education in traditional or vocational schools v. 31%
• 37% were college students v. 12%
• Data shows a decline in substance abuse, violent and destructive behaviors, and pregnancies
• Data reflects an increase in financial stability⁵

To find out how you can help, call 321-397-3081 or email phillip.deal@chsfl.org.

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¹ National Coalition for the Homeless, 1998, Cook, 1991, Child Welfare League of America, 2007
² The Annie E. Casey Foundation (2006). [On-line]. Available: www.aecf.org.
³ From foster care to young adulthood, pp 251-270.
⁴ Transitioning from congregate care: Preparation and outcomes, 15:507-518.
⁵ Early outcomes for young adults transitioning from out-of-home care in the USA, pp 209-219.