Orphan.org provides services to foster children reaching adulthood
Title
Orphan Foundation Of America
Description
In 1981, the late Joseph Rivers, a former foster youth from the Syracuse area, started the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA). His goal was simple--help orphans and foster youth as they transition from foster care to young adulthood, with particular emphasis on helping these young men and women attend college and vocational school.
Twenty years later his dream is alive and well. OFA has truly raised national awareness of foster care issues and comprehensive services for older youth are being implemented nationwide. Each year OFA and its scholarship partners award more funding and provide a stronger safety net for those pursuing post-secondary education.
Youth without family support face unique challenges on the road to adulthood. Many have experienced years of abuse and neglect, while others lost loving parents to illness or accidents. While foster care tries to provide a stable environment, for many it is a series of group homes and shelters, leaving many foster youth ill-equipped for life on their own.
