Get to Know Us
ABOUT US
We are a faith based non-profit organization Founded in 2023, Refuge Of Hope Independent Living Inc. strives to make a tremendous impact in our community to help foster youth overcome the challenges of growing up in the foster care system. We provide guidance, support, and advocacy to prepare these young adults for life after foster care. We believe if our youth do not have a strong safety net it will make it extremely difficult for them to succeed.
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Refuge of Hope is a resource home for young adults aging out of the foster care system. We provide these young adults with a safe, fully furnished home, where they will learn the skills needed for life as an adult.
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Numerous studies have shown that when a child is taught life skills, their employability improves drastically. The graduation rates of our children increase. Substance abuse and bullying decrease. The impact of our young adults learning life skills helps provide life purpose and helps to discover qualities about themselves that they never thought they knew existed.
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The core of our work lies in the continuous passion and dedication to ensure our youth are provided interpersonal skills, social skills, financial literacy, career readiness, home economics, problem solving, coping mechanisms, effective communication, organizational skills, health, and wellness. This is crucial for their personal and professional success throughout their residency and thereafter.
STATISTICS
Every year, more than 27,000 youth "age out" of foster care without the emotional or financial support necessary to succeed. The number continues to increase.
Nearly 40% were homeless or couch surfed.
Nearly 60% of young men had been convicted of a crime and 51% were unemployed.
Half of all youth that aged out were engaged in substance abuse.
71% of youth females were pregnant by the age of 21.
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Nearly 25% of youth "aging out" did not have a high school diploma or GED, and only 6% had finished a bachelors or masters degree once they aged out.
One study revealed that 70% of all youth in foster care had no desire to attend college.
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1 in 4 youth "aging out" will end up incarcerated.
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50% of homeless population spent time in the foster care system.
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY
Every donation matters. With the power of your donation, you help us to prepare our youth aging out of foster care with an alternative to the revolving door of delinquency, substance abuse, pregnancy, homelessness, and incarceration. You help to provide a haven that will meet the physical, financial, and emotional needs that our young adults so desperately need. Your donation helps to defy their odds.
For any inquiries, questions or commendations,
please call:
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OFFICE: 352-292-3234
Leigh-Ann: 352-445-4668
Hebrews 13:16
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased"
OUR RESOURCES
OUR SPONSORS
Contact
Refuge of Hope Independent Living Inc.
PO BOX 1837
Belleview, Florida 34420
352-292-3234 or 352-445-4668