What do you do if you’re a foster youth stuck in a bus station with no way to get home and no money for food? You call 4Montgomery’s Kids. Within an hour, we had an Uber card on its way.
Or what if you suddenly need transportation to get to a family emergency? Once again, we were able to step in right away.
Most of the time, we turn around requests in less than 24 hours. But this month, these two urgent calls for immediate transportation came in with just one hour’s notice. Because of your support, both ended with a positive outcome instead of escalating into a crisis.
Summer and back-to-school time can also bring other challenges for kids in foster care. But this year with your help, we were able to:
- Send eleven kids to summer camp and make it possible for one child to take a trip to Florida with her foster family.
- Provide four computers for schoolwork and to help youth stay connected with siblings and parents.
- Cover transportation needs like car insurance, Uber cards, and Metro passes so kids could get to work or visit family.
- Boost self-confidence with cosmetics and hair supplies for prom and back-to-school.
- Supply sports equipment for camp and school team participation.
We also just wrapped up the first year of our guaranteed income program, Boost, and are continuing the program this year, with nine additional young adults who are aging out of foster care. They each will receive $600 a month for a full year—giving them some much-needed financial stability, (or a boost), as they take initial steps toward independence.
Our first year recipients have told us:
- “I feel fantastic! I am now employed full time and am very grateful for the opportunity to receive the monthly stipend,”
- the stipend went a long way and even prevented two evictions,
- it provided peace of mind,
- it allowed for a greater opportunity to focus on educational and employment goals.
And finally, looking ahead, we’re once again teaming up with the residents of Ingleside in Rockville for Thanksgiving. Together, we’ll provide Giant gift cards so families in the child welfare system can celebrate the holiday with a special meal. Last year, we helped 100 families!
We’re so grateful to you—our donors and friends—for making all this possible. Every ride, every meal, every camp experience, every boost of confidence happens because of your generosity.
Board of Directors – 4Montgomery’s Kids
Cynde Burgess, Ronna Cook, Alan Kraut, Agnes Leshner, Leslie Shedlin