Helping Our Children Soar Into Summer!
Dear Friend of Children,
A picnic on a grassy hill … a scoop of chocolate chip ice cream … a trip to our favorite zoo …
that first outing to the beach … a day at the local ball park … a week at camp!
For many of us, our favorite childhood memories are the pictures in our mind of SUMMER! It’s the perfect time for kids to be kids; and we are anxious for The Villages children to “Soar into Summer” anticipating some exciting “firsts” which will provide them with great stories to tell when they head back to school in a few months!
Among those who “Soar” are the nearly 100 High School Graduates in The Villages Transitional Living, Older Youth Services Program, and the Foster Care Program, who despite countless challenges in their childhood, are demonstrating their bold perseverance and resiliency! We wish EACH of you a bright and healthy future!
Nationally, only 1 to 3% of youth who age out of foster care graduate from High School and go on to a college or post-secondary vocational program. The Villages couldn’t be prouder that, through the support of “TEAM VILLAGES”, 70 to 80% of our youth, each and every year, achieve this vital “milestone”!
The Villages first time parents, who said YES to being a part of the agency’s child focused Healthy Families Parent Support Program for three years are also SOARING, as more than 120 families “graduate” in June, demonstrating their perseverance to be the best parent they can possibly be!
And what about our exemplary Villages Dads?! Whether these committed fathers are dedicated Villages staff members, foster fathers … many of whom have been with us more than twenty years … adoptive fathers, or kinship care Dads and Grandads, the research is undeniable — engaged fathers raise healthier, happier children!
LUCKY US, that we can all be an “investor” in assuring that our graduating foster and older youth, our Healthy Families Program “graduates”, and the Dads who touch the lives of the 3,000 children The Villages serves daily SOAR to heights that enable them to reach their FULL potential!
Our Deepest Thanks for Helping Us Do Just That!
President & CEO, The Villages of Indiana