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Milwaukee Chapter Signature Project
Teen Transition Program
Overview
| In Partnership with Kids Matter, Inc. the Teen Transition Program will continue to be developed as we enter into the second year of the five year service agreement. The Program will assist foster children with their transition to self-sustainability. The Teen Transition Program will focus on providing guidance and meeting the needs of adolescents aging out of the foster care system. The program will work with high school juniors and seniors as we help them prepare for their lives as young adults. |
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Signature Project Background
A little over four years ago, the JLM decided to select a community partner organization that could benefit from our volunteer strength, expertise and a $90,000 donation to commemorate the Junior League of Milwaukee's 90th year serving the Milwaukee community. We selected Milwaukee CASA, herein referred to as Kids Matter, Inc., as that community partner. In 2004, the League voted and agreed to contribute a total of $90,000 over three years toward the relocation of Kids Matter, Inc.
The 2007-2008 League year was the final year of our financial partnership with Kids Matter, Inc. At that time, the JLM has decided to continue our partnership for another five years, through 2013, in a service capacity only. This five year savings of donations could allow for enough funds to be saved for the 100th year Signature Project in the amount of $100,000. Thus, the Signature Project Committee developed a program for Kids Matter, Inc. that aims to assist foster children with their transition into self-sustainability. This program is called the "Teen Transition Program".
We are looking to provide the opportunities for foster teens to develop life skills needed for living independently.
The five parts are:
Search for Scholarships
We could really use your help in finding scholarships
opportunities for our teens. They all have great
college potential and can use the financial assistance
as well as support and direction that many of
us received from our parents. It is really easy
as you receive a point for calling three colleges
and identifying the financial support options
for our teens (and you can do it from home.) There
is a simple form to fill out and a script to provide
direction. Click her for an example of the form,
list of colleges and script. (xx link to PDF).
If interested please email signatureproject@jlmilw.org
to register and receive your assignment.
Development of a Scholarship Database
We will search for scholarship opportunities for our teens. They all have great college potential and can use the financial assistance as well as support and direction that many of us received from our parents. There are many opportunities available that will assist these teens in obtaining the necessary education for a successful career.
Workshops
We will host three workshops throughout the year to help provide assistance and information that is necessary for self-sustainability. As our teens are either college bound or plan to further their education through technical or trade programs, the first workshop will focus on selecting careers and the colleges or schools best for their interest, including the application process. This is a tough process and we can make an impact by detailing the steps and information the teens need. The second workshop is structured around financial literacy, including budget management, managing credit and the student financial aid process. The final workshop is titled healthy living and is designed to teach these young adults about healthy eating and lifestyles.
Participate in Career Interviews
Did you know what you wanted to do when you were a teen? Many of these teens are beginning to plan their careers and what a great opportunity for them to be able to have information interviews with a variety of league members. Based on each teen's interest we will be looking for members with specific backgrounds to be available for an informational interview with a teen to provide insight on the career.
Be a Personal Shopper
At the Grand Garage sale each teen will be paired with a league member as they shop the sale for career appropriate outfits. These outfits will help them dress for success as they enter the workforce.
Donate House Warming Goods
These teens are moving out to their first place and will need all the essentials. The Junior League wants to help provide the basic house or dorm warming items. We will have a pre-assigned list of items that you can pick and donate.
I want to volunteer:
There will be opportunities throughout the year, please look for them when you login to the member site.
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Prior Signature Projects:
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