4Montgomery’s Kids has just closed the books on our ninth year, and what a year it has been! We provided resources for over 300 children and we are closing it by awarding scholarships to fifteen students. We could not be more grateful to you, our amazing donors, for making this possible. We hope you will keep us in your gift giving plans.
Scholarships
Once again, we at 4MK were thrilled to be able to offer scholarships, ranging from $500 – $1,000, to high school graduates in foster care who are pursuing further education either in college or a trade. This year we were able to give 15 scholarships. Here are just some of the exemplary students we are supporting.
- B completed most of her credits a semester early (earning straight A’s!) and used the abbreviated school schedule to gain work experience. She has experienced extensive trauma in her life and wants to become a nurse so she can continue to help others as she has already throughout her life. She plans to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant while she pursues her nursing degree and is training over the summer to make this possible.
- From a very early age, S has had to overcome severe obstacles. He got into trouble but completed treatment and is back on track. While in treatment, he graduated from high school, completing two years of school in eight months. He plans to attend trade school to become a plumber and create a better life for himself.
- G is a straight-A student who has been on honor roll throughout high school and was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. He has been involved with a variety of afterschool programs, including one that focuses on community service and engagement. He plans to major in math, science, or engineering.
- J is the first person in her family to graduate from high school. Not only has she worked almost continuously with tutors and teachers to ensure that she was successful in academics, but she has spent the last two years in activities that build social connections and created more support among her Latino community.
- R has plans to attend college out of state and so will not be eligible for the tuition waiver otherwise available to high school graduates in the child welfare system. Even though she only recently entered foster care with all the life changes that has meant, she nonetheless was able to complete high school on time, get her driver’s license, and sought and has held down a job.
- While C was in high school, she managed her own nail business. Her goal is to become a licensed nail technician. The scholarship money will allow her to complete a nail certification program.
- We were also able to assist a deserving young woman with a special high school scholarship. She was accepted into an elite private school known for its rigorous academics, where she also plans to join the track team. She already has had athletic success on a national level. Attending this school is a rare opportunity but a large financial commitment for her foster family. What an honor to be able to help her out.
For Love of Turtles
It was one of our more unique requests. First, what do you think of when you think of stress reducing pets? Maybe a service dog? Well for K. who was transitioning out of care and moving from a group home to her first apartment and starting a new job, it is her treasured four small turtles.
These big steps were exciting but challenging for K, and the turtles helped her get through them. But turtle care – frequent cleaning and maintenance of the tank is critical, along with the use of proper filters – is critical, and it is not cheap! (Who knew?)
Imagine K’s delight and relief when 4Montgomery’s Kids provided her with the funds to care for her beloved pets.
Camp
This time of year brings requests for a variety of after school and summer programs. So far this year – and we expect more requests to come – we are sending twelve children to summer programs and we provided seven children with after school activities. The camp experiences include traditional sleep-away camp, special-needs camps, sports- themed programs and dance camp. We wish them all a fantastic, fun-filled summer.
Beyond the turtle, in this fiscal year, approximately 20% of our grants to children involved education, 11% involved transportation, 15% supported recreational activities, 1% were housing-related, and 53% were for a combination of personal and household needs. Most notably, we were able to fill every request we received – no child or family was denied the assistance they sought. And, it is all due to your generosity.