Partnership 4 Hope

Youth who exit the foster care system face significant challenges on their road to independent living. Partnership 4 Hope operates four programs for young adult former foster youth (we call them YAFFYs), and each year we serve fore than 150 former foster youth and their children. YOUTH MART is a hub for home furnishings, supplies, and clothing that serves YAFFYs ages 16-24 as they face the transition to living independently with little support from family. YAFFYs shop free of charge at Youth Mart (YM) for household items, furniture, and personal care items. YM is located on the Omaha Home for Boys campus and serves youth from the 12 Youth Mart Collaborative Agencies and their YAFFY clients. THE TRUCK BRIGADE assists Youth Mart Collaborative Agencies and their YAFFY clients by picking up donations, delivering household items and furniture, and providing whole-house moving. Unconnected youth often can't find this kind of help elsewhere. The Partnership 4 Hope MENTORSHIP PROGRAM pairs independent adults with YAFFYs for the purpose of a committed partnership. P4H trains all mentors, matches them carefully, and provides ongoing support to mentors and mentees. When mentors are able to identify needs that P4H can meet, we use our financial and human resources to help mentees maintain independence. THE COLE FRENCH EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT FUND: Less than 3% of YAFFYs graduate from college, and it's not for lack of trying. The challenges they face academically pale in comparison to the challenges they face outside of the classroom. For an unconnected youth, a car repair, unexpected lab fee, or a minor health issue can easily and permanently derail their path to a college degree. The Cole French Educational Support Fund, whose namesake was a tireless advocate for youth, steps into help YAFFYs by removing barriers and providing whatever support is needed for them to continue in their education.