We're thrilled to announce that AcademySTAY has been featured in Inside Sacramento's December 2024 article, "Coming Home." This recognition highlights our ongoing commitment to supporting young adults who have aged out of the foster care system and are working to build independent, successful lives.
The Challenge Foster Youth Face
For most teenagers, turning 18 is an exciting milestone. But for youth in foster care, it often marks the beginning of an uncertain and challenging journey. When foster youth "age out" of the system at 18, many find themselves without the support networks, resources, or skills needed to thrive independently.
The statistics are sobering: 25% of foster youth experience homelessness after aging out of the foster care system. Many others struggle with unemployment, lack of education, and social isolation. Without proper support during this critical transition period, these young adults face significant barriers to achieving stability and success.
AcademySTAY's Mission
AcademySTAY was founded to address these challenges by providing a comprehensive approach to supporting aged-out foster youth. Our mission goes beyond simply offering housing – we create environments where young adults can pursue college education, vocational training, or employment while developing essential life skills.
Our program combines safe, affordable housing with structured support services designed to help residents build independence gradually. From financial literacy workshops to career counseling and mental health resources, we provide the tools these young adults need to navigate adulthood successfully.
Our Sacramento Facility: A Place to Call Home
The InsideSacramento feature highlights our first facility in Noralto, which has become a beacon of hope for former foster youth in our community. This innovative living space includes:
29 fully furnished apartments providing safe, stable housing (each housing 2 students)
A vibrant outdoor courtyard and community garden where residents can relax and connect
Modern community spaces for life-skills classes, study sessions, and social gatherings
On-site support staff available to provide guidance and assistance
What makes our facility unique is the emphasis on community building. Residents don't just have apartments – they have a network of peers facing similar challenges and staff who are invested in their success. This combination of physical resources and community support creates an environment where growth and independence can flourish.
Building More Than Housing: Creating Community
As the InsideSacramento article illustrates, AcademySTAY provides both tangible resources and intangible benefits. The sense of belonging and community that residents experience is often just as important as having a roof over their heads.
Many of our residents report that for the first time, they feel they have a true home – not just a place to stay. The relationships they build with staff, volunteers, and fellow residents create a support system that many never had before. This community becomes the foundation upon which they can build their futures.
The Power of Community Support
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors. From teaching life skills classes to providing mentorship and career guidance, volunteers play a crucial role in helping our residents succeed. Meanwhile, donor support enables us to maintain our facilities and expand our services to reach more youth in need.
How You Can Get Involved
For Prospective Donors: Your support helps provide housing, education, and essential services. Every dollar makes a difference. Donate now.
For Volunteers & Mentors: Share your time, skills, and experience to help guide and inspire young adults. Help now.
For Foster Youth & Families: If you or someone you know is aging out of foster care, we’re here to help. Learn more.
For Community Members: Follow our journey, spread the word, and advocate for foster youth in our region. Support our mission.
The journey from foster care to independent adulthood doesn't have to be walked alone. Together, we can ensure that every young adult who has experienced foster care has the opportunity to build a stable, fulfilling life.
Read the full story here: Coming Home by Jessica Laskey
Join us in creating a community where aged-out foster youth don't just survive – they thrive.
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