ROCHESTER, Michigan, Friday, July 29, 2022: Any young person moving out on their own needs certain essentials, but it’s particularly true for those who were raised in the foster care system as children, have turned 18 and are now adults.
It’s called “aging out,” the process of a youth transitioning from formal control of foster care toward independent living. In Michigan, approximately 13,000 children are in foster care, and about 1,600 young people age out every year when they reach their 18th birthday.
That’s where Assistance League® of Southeastern Michigan comes in.
Understanding what makes a house a home, the Michigan Assistance League chapter has collaborated with Big Family of Michigan, a nonprofit corporation, to assist young adults beginning a new, independent life in a home, apartment or dormitory.
“These young people have had very challenging lives and deserve the best we can do for them. Thank you, Assistance League, for your generous donations,” said Sharon McCaughrin, president and CEO of Big Family of Michigan in St. Clair Shores.
Assistance League’s Aging Out co-chairs Dolores Barry and Violet Cholakian shopped for months, coordinating and assembling 20 duffle bags for young adults. Each bag contains new bedding, a bath set, and personal items in a women’s cosmetic bag or men’s dopp kit toiletry bag. Then, it’s delivered to Big Family.
“The bedding is nicer than anything I have ever had – and it’s mine!” said one 18-year-old woman who has benefited from the Aging Out program. “I do not have to share with my sister because she also received her own bedding.”
Both 18, they now live in their own apartment. One sister has a 4-month-old baby.
“We had so much fun putting the stuff on our beds, and we are thankful to everyone for making us feel so special,” said one sister.
“Our chapter touches the lives of so many people through our community programs, including Aging Out. We’re honored to give these young adults a head start as they begin their journey into a new life,” said Cindy Weber, president of Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan.
In addition to Aging Out, Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan’s established Philanthropic Programs include Operation School Bell for school children, Wee Help for infants, Assault Survivor Kits for victims of abuse and Nourishing Neighbors for those with food insecurity.
PHOTO CAPTION: From left, Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan members Dolores Barry and Violet Cholakian showcase duffle bags at Big Family.
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About Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan
Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, founded in 1993 and serving Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), hands-on, all-volunteer organization whose mission is transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs. ReSale Connection is Assistance League's nonprofit, upscale resale store in downtown Rochester, offering high-quality, new and gently used merchandise at a great value. With no paid staff, funds raised remain in local Michigan communities, helping thousands of people in need throughout the year.
For more information, please call or visit our store:
ReSale Connection
P.O. Box 80932
204 S. Main St.
Rochester, MI 48307
248-656-0414
(Federal Tax ID#: EIN 38-3181336)
AssistanceLeague.org/southeastern-michigan
