Footsteps To The Future Blog

We need your nominations

2011-11-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Nov. 14, 2011 – Who said write-in ballots are only for politics? For the first time, Walmart is empowering Facebook users to write in – or nominate – local nonprofits to receive part of $1.5 million in grants this holiday season. Through its “12 Days of Giving” campaign, the company will accept submissions via Facebook with an eye for local organizations that are providing basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and baby supplies.

click here to learn how you can nominate Footsteps

Truly Giving for Christmas

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Gifts Cards with a Purpose

So not sure what to do to make yourself feel better and to be happy?? My solution to that problem is so very simple, rewarding and is not going to “break the bank!!”

Reach out and help someone less fortunate than your self!

Make someone Happy, it feels so good!

Try it, you’ll like it!!

Maybe you can get your friends or co- workers to help…Maybe your family wants to “adopt” a child for Christmas? Did you know foster kids don’t have families to give to them at the Holidays and for that matter at any time ?

We are Footsteps to the Future: Our purpose is to provide tools of empowerment to guide, encourage and mentor young women in and “aging out” of foster care, helping them make positive choices to reach their highest human potential on the path they choose.

It is our intention to work towards providing them with safe, affordable housing, a place where they are able to transition into living independently and to become self-sufficient, productive members of the community.

“Every woman and every man too, must take responsibility in their hearts for all children. As the parental generation, every child is our child. To ignore the state of our children is to ignore the state of the world...”

I am asking you wonderful people who decide to help us out for the holidays to know the following:

We are grateful for all help and everything people donate is tax deductible as we are a 501c3 tax exempt organization and we will send you a tax donation letter when we receive your donation.
Over 85 % of all monies ever received go directly to the girls and the services we provide them... Our group is mostly volunteer with a few low paid independent contractors who provide life coaching , recruitment and mental health services
We accept money, gift cards and direct gifts for the girls and their children for the Holidays.
We have about 56 young women & about 37 children who we are getting gifts for this year, need gifts by Dec 5th

As the days are drawing closer to our Holiday party some people have suggested that they would like to ask their friends, groups and offices to get gift cards and have asked me to make some suggestions. Many of our young women need more than traditional Christmas gifts so I suggest gift cards from places like Wal-Mart and Target as there they can purchase cleaning supplies, food, diapers for their children and school supplies. Gas cards are also very helpful.

Thank you so much for thinking of Footsteps and our young women. If you want I can send you a few things about us you may want to share with your group. Thank you for your generosity!

Whatever you can do, we will be so grateful! And if you are not able to help at this time we will love you just the same!

Judi Woods

Founder and Executive Director

Footsteps to the Future, Inc

www.footstepstothefuture.org

judiwoods2@earthlink.net
16956 McGregor Blvd. Suite 2
Ft Myers, Fl 33908
239 281-7378

www.footstepstothefuture.org

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

Gearing up for National Mentoring Month

2011-11-16T06:45:00.000-08:00

National Mentoring Month Has New Partner in Washington, D.C.

Tuesday, November 08, 2011 - HandsOn Greater DC Cares and Concerned Black Men – National Organization have joined together to be the official lead partner in National Mentoring Month 2012 for Washington, D.C.

“It is wonderful that these organizations will be leading the National Mentoring Month efforts in our nation’s capital next January,” said MENTOR’s President and CEO Dr. Larry Wright. “When residents there want to respond to National Mentoring Month’s call for youth mentors, they will have a central place to go to find the quality mentoring opportunities that suit them best.”

HandsOn Greater DC Cares CEO Greg Roberts added, “HandsOn Greater DC Cares has partnered with a broad coalition of mentoring organizations in the greater D.C. region to recruit 500+ mentors, build each organization’s capacity and raise awareness for mentoring. Among the members of this mentoring coalition, Concerned Black Men – National Organization stands out as a leader in building partnerships for effective mentor recruitment, leading a collaborative effort to ensure that the mentor volunteer pool is reflective of the diverse community we live in. We’re glad to be a local partner for National Mentoring Month.”

"Concerned Black Men – National Organization (CBM) is proud to partner with HandsOn Greater DC Cares for National Mentoring Month. Concerned Black Men and HandsOn Greater DC Cares share the vision of ensuring that every child in the nation's capital has a responsible adult in his or her life,” said CBM Executive Director George Garrow. “Mentoring is an organizational priority for CBM, and we thank MENTOR and its partners for the opportunity to highlight this work."

The Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR created National Mentoring Month 11 years ago this coming January and in 2006 welcomed the Corporation for National and Community Service as a national partner. It is an annual, concentrated burst of national and local media activity combined with White House and Congressional involvement and extensive community outreach that serves as a vehicle for institutionalizing America’s commitment to long-term youth mentoring.

The goals of National Mentoring Month are to: 1) raise awareness of mentoring; 2) promote the rapid growth of mentoring in all of its forms, including workplace, school-based and faith-based mentoring; 3) advocate for federal and state mentoring support; and 4) recruit individuals to serve as mentors.

The theme for National Mentoring Month 2012 is Invest in the Future. Mentor a Child, and General Colin Powell will continue to be the national spokesperson for the initiative.

The successful implementation of National Mentoring Month in individual media markets depends on the support and participation of local media outlets, businesses, faith-based institutions, membership organizations, schools and nonprofits in the mentoring field. In each media market, a Local Lead Nonprofit Partner (LLNP) is responsible for coordinating a community's activities to take maximum advantage of National Mentoring Month.

Join Us on November 5th - Pre Holiday Art Show & Sale

2011-10-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

Calling All Shoppers - Shop While You Donate to FTTF

2011-10-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! It's a great time to shop for your holiday gifts!

FTTF fundraiser for the Belk Charity sale day at Gulf Coast Towne Center.

What: Belk Charity Sale Day

When: Sat. November 5th

6am to 10am

Where: Belk's Dept. Store
Gulf Coast Towne Center

They offer merchandise and gift items in women's apparel, jewelry, accessories, shoes, mens, childrens, home goods and more.

The Opportunity:

Belk's department stores holds a charity sale a couple times during the year to help local charities.

It is an exclusive event and prices are drastically marked down for holiday shopping!

Family, friends and associates may purchase $5 ticket(s) for the event. 100% of the $5 ticket donation goes directly to FTTF.

At checkout, ticket holders will receive an additional $5 off the sale price of an item they purchase.

Only one ticket per item is allowed. Shoppers may purchase multiple tickets to save an additional $5 off each item, on all of their purchases during the sale.

Net to the person who buys the ticket is $0, net to FTTF is $5. All tickets sold prior to the sale will go directly to FTTF.

During the sale, FTTF will be onsite to sell to Belk's customers. All local non-profits who will be there during the sale, will share in the ticket sale amount that day - so pre-purchase your tickets directly from FTTF if you can.

This is a wonderful opportunity to tap into the holiday gift season and raise funds for FTTF!

Contact Caroline to get your tickets at: Carolineravelo@aol.com

First Annual "In Her Shoes Event"

2011-09-12T16:38:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the First Annual "In Her Shoes Event"

This Wednesday, September 14th
6 to 8:30 pm
Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt Suite 178

You can get your tickets at the door for $20 which will get you 2 glasses of wine or champagne and hot appetizers.

PLUS:

Purses from $5 to $35
Shoes from $5 to $30

Check out some of our silent auction items:

Furla Handbag retail value of $495
Stuart Weitzman Shoes retail value of $555
$250 Local Jeweler Gift Certificate
$100 Spa Gift Certificate
Golf for Four
.... and so much more!!!!

In Her Shoes Event, Naples, September 14th

2011-08-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

Come join us for the First Annual "In Her Shoes" event in Naples on September 14th.

First, donate your gently used designer and brand name shoes & purses.

Then, gather up your girlfriends and come shop with us September 14th and pick up some designer shoes & purses for yourself at GREAT prices. Listen to some amazing live music, have a glass of wine, some hors d'oevres and help to make a difference for our Footsteps girls.

Donations being taken through September 10th.

2011-07-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Caroline Ravelo

CarolineRavelo@aol.com (239) 791-6749

Miracle for Young Women at Hammond Stadium

(Fort Myers, FL) – Fort Myers Miracle and Hammond Stadium will host Footsteps To The Future for a special event on Thursday, July 28^thfor the 7:05pm game against the Tampa Yankees. The local non-profit serves young women in the community who are in or aging out of foster care.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early to watch dance performers, The Calendar Girls, who are scheduled to perform at 6:30 PM near the fountain. Prior to the game, photographer Crae Clemons of Bonita Springs will take pictures of fans with a Miracle ball player or one of the Calendar girls.

In the concession area, Footsteps To The Future mentors and mentees will offer raffle tickets, giving guests a chance to win various prizes, including a pair of tickets to a Miami Marlins game. Proceeds from the raffle and event fundraiser will continue to support mentee programs including tutoring, life skills mentoring and advocacy. As Judi Woods likes to say, “It is all about the girls!”

Judi Woods, founder and executive director said, “Our mission is to empower our young women to safely and successfully transition into independent living. We are very excited to partner with the Miracle team and Hammond Stadium for this event. It gives us an opportunity to meet people in our community and have fun while we share our message to help our young women become responsible citizens.”

According to Florida’s Children First, an advocacy agency for aging out foster youth, there are over 1300 young people aging out of foster care State wide and many are here in SW Florida. Footsteps To The Future provides services and more importantly, a tremendous opportunity for these young women to achieve life success by pairing them with volunteer mentors who are screened, trained, and can emulate successful living. Woods said, “The young women learn things about daily living that most people may take for granted.”

Over the last few years, Footsteps To The Future has trained more than 50 mentors and paired more than 48 mentees. The results have allowed young women, who once had no hope for a successful future, to live happy and stable lives. Some of the young women have young children, who are a result of abuse and other offenses. Footsteps To The Future supports their personal growth by helping them understand their importance as human beings and caretakers for future generations.

The special event at Hammond Stadium allows stadium guests to purchase a specially priced $25 value package that includes a general admission ticket, hot dog, soda and special Miracle hat for only $15. For an additional $2, seats may be upgraded to box level. Beers and sodas will be half priced all night.

Baseball fans and anyone interested in supporting a group of foster care are encouraged to attend the game on July 28^th. For tickets, please visit www.miraclefun.com with password “footsteps” to ensure you receive the promotional price. For upgrade to box seating, contact Alex Margulies at (239) 768-4210.

For learn about volunteer opportunities or how you can help support Footsteps To The Future, please visit www.FootstepsToTheFuture.org or contact Judi Woods at (239) 275-5834.

+ + +

2011-07-06T05:01:00.000-07:00

“HOT SUMMER NIGHT OF FASHION” & “IN HER SHOES” FUNDRAISING EVENTS!

NAPLES, FL. Fabulous shoes, perfect purses, light refreshments and a great cause provide the recipe for what promises to be two memorable evenings as Merle Norman Cosmetics along with the Galleria Shoppes At Vanderbilt and eBella Magazine present a “Hot Summer Night of Fashion” in August and “In Her Shoes” in September!

Preparations are underway for Footsteps to the Future’s very first “Hot Summer Night of Fashion” Fundraising event:
Wednesday, August 10th from 6pm to 8pm and
“In Her Shoes” Fundraising event:
Wednesday, September 14th from 6pm to 8:30pm.

On Wednesday, August 10th, grab your girlfriends and bring a gently used designer or brand name purse, wallet or pair of shoes (or multiples) to Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio at Galleria Shoppes At Vanderbilt to be used at the In Her Shoes Event and enjoy, live entertainment and light refreshments while shopping for the newest designs of beautiful lingerie, breathtaking jewelry, fashionable clothing, make-up and more!

All donated items will then be available for purchase at the Wednesday, September 14th, “In Her Shoes” Fundraising event.
You and your friends will be able to purchase gently used designer and brand name purses & shoes at amazingly discounted prices, all while supporting Footsteps to the Future, Inc. who is making a difference in our community by empowering young women that are in and aging out of the foster care system, to safely and successfully transition to living independently.
Silent auction, raffles, live entertainment, refreshments and cocktails combine for the perfect girls’ night out!

What: Hot Summer Night of Fashion & In Her Shoes Fundraising Events!

When: Wednesday, August 10th (6-8pm) & Wednesday, September 14th (6-8:30pm)

Where: Merle Norman Studio 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., #121 Naples, Fl 34109 (Galleria Shoppes At Vanderbilt)

Why: Fundraising Events for Footsteps to the Future, Inc

Contact Kori Gowan (239) 513-1005 or naplesfl@merlenormanstudio.com for more information, donations or sponsorship opportunities.

Transitional Living.. Naples Daily News Article

2010-07-06T12:08:00.001-07:00

Transitional Living Article in Naples Daily News July 6,2010

PHOTOS Step forward: Lee program gives former foster girls a place to live on their own
By KATY BISHOP
Monday, July 5, 2010

FORT MYERS — When Jerricka Stewart unlocks the door it still shocks her sometimes.
She has a home.
Jerricka is one of the first former foster children to move into a transitional living house in Fort Myers purchased by Footsteps to the Future, a foster girls mentoring group.
It’s just a house. But for Jerricka and her roommate, it’s a safe, affordable place to live — something many foster kids can’t find after they age out of the system at 18. It’s not a permanent place, but rather a place for them to learn the basics: How to pay utility bills, make a budget, open a checking account, get a reliable job, purchase car insurance.
Before she turned 18, Jerricka had a new plan every week, she said, sitting on the sofa in the living room with its walls freshly painted white, but still blank. New dishes are stacked on the counter, not yet put away in the cabinets.
She wanted to go to college in Sarasota or Orlando or Tampa, she said. She wanted an apartment, but wasn’t really making concrete plans.
“I knew 18 was approaching,” she said. “But I was ignoring the fact that I was going to be on my own.”
But now that she’s 18, Jerricka has a plan and her last few weeks have been filled with firsts. The first bathroom she doesn’t have to share. The first grocery trip where she could buy what she wanted with her own money. Checking and savings accounts. A monthly budget. A debit card.
It could be overwhelming, but she has a lot of help.
■ ■ ■
On a recent weekday afternoon, Jerricka and her Footsteps to the Future mentor Andrea Perisho climbed into Perisho’s van for an afternoon of errands. They chatted for a minute about their plans: A meeting with Jerricka’s caseworker, a second-round job interview at Denny’s and a stop at the bank to make a withdrawal.
Perisho, 56, has been Jerricka’s mentor since late May, and since then, she’s stepped into a role that’s part mother, part grandmother, she said. The group pairs older, female mentors with teenage foster girls, ideally well before they turn 18 and leave the foster care system. And now, the group also has this transitional living program — which Jerricka is a part of — and its first house.
“Don’t forget, you have to check your Social Security number on the Denny’s job application,” Perisho said as she pulls out of the driveway.
“Yes, I have to change it, I put two of the numbers down wrong,” Jerricka said.
Then her new, hot pink phone buzzes and she flips it open, laughing at what she reads. It’s a text from Casey Browning, 23, her new roommate at the Footsteps transitional living house, she said, before turning back, thumbs working quickly on the phone’s keyboard.
After a short car ride, Jerricka and Perisho get out of the van and go to meet with Jerricka’s caseworker. In the small, brightly painted office the caseworker goes over a survey Jerricka has to fill out periodically.
Has she had any job training? No. Has she ever had a job? No. Is she on probation? No. Does she have her own transportation? No.
They talk about the check she gets each month from the government, where and when it is deposited. To get it, she’s required to meet certain conditions, including going to school.
“That check comes early, so you can pay all your bills for the next month,” the caseworker says. “So you can pay your rent on time.”
Jerricka nods.
■ ■ ■
Jerricka isn’t sure how old she was the first time she landed in foster care. Younger than 5, she guesses. From then until age 18, she lived in dozens of foster homes and group homes. She was adopted and then put back in the system because of abuse by her adoptive parent. Now that she’s 18, it’s up to her to find a place to live and handle everything: Transportation, food, school, a job.
The transitional living house represents the fulfillment of a long-term goal, said Judi Woods, Footsteps to the Future founder. The group wants to give the girls a supportive and structured environment where they can learn how to manage their finances, study, work and grow.
“There’s only a short window of time when a person is maturing and leaving foster care that they can be molded and make the right choices to be productive,” Woods said. “We’re tired of statistics that are negative. We’re trying to keep them from being homeless. If they’re given a good environment then they’re going to have a better ability to study.”
The three major goals of the transitional living house program are education, work readiness and savings, Woods said. The house has strict rules and the girls have to sign a participation agreement. No boys, no alcohol, no drugs.
They must make a budget and stick to it. They must pay $350 a month each in rent. They must save money and provide copies of their bank statements to Footsteps, which will match up to $100 of their savings each month, Woods said.
“It’s not just about a place to live,” she said. “They pay rent because they need to know how to pay rent. ... They are in charge of their own accounts, but we require on a monthly basis to monitor and help them budget their money. ... All of that is a process and we take it pretty seriously. If they don’t conform with the rules they could be asked to leave. They have three strikes.”
The group also provides access to a life coach and a counselor who is a certified trauma resolution specialist. It costs the nonprofit group $5,000 to $6,000 per girl per year for the transitional living program, including the services and savings-match program, and the group depends on donations, Woods said.
“We believe they can make positive choices if they’re encouraged and they’re given the right direction to follow,” she said. “This program isn’t for everybody. It’s for young women who really want to change their lives.”
■ ■ ■
Back in Fort Myers in Perisho’s van, she and Jerricka are on their way to Denny’s for Jerricka’s second job interview. They take the long way so they can follow the bus route that Jerricka would have to take if she gets the job, locating the bus stop, and also the sidewalks along the way to the restaurant.
At Denny’s, Jerricka asks Perisho to park on the side, not in front — she’s embarrassed, and though she denies it, maybe a little nervous for her interview. She’s not crazy about the half-mile walk from the bus stop to the restaurant, but she really wants a job, she said. She needs to buy car insurance for a car that’s being donated to her.
Ten minutes later, Jerricka and Perisho emerge from Denny’s. Jerricka laughs and Perisho smiles.
Jerricka got the job. And yes, it was embarrassing, she said, but she’s excited. It’s her first job.

Jazzin’ It Up With Footsteps

2010-05-10T17:11:00.001-07:00

SAVE THE DATE - PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE NOW!

Mark your Calendar for Thursday evening JUNE 10th … for an awesome JAZZ concert and art show… Turn Turn Turn II, Vinyl to Art… to be held at The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Grand Atrium, downtown Ft. Myers to benefit Footsteps to the Future, the unique mentoring and transitional living program for young women in and “aged out” of foster care. VIP reception begins at 5:15 with performance at 6:00 PM.

Concert will be featuring trumpeter Dan Miller (formerly with Harry Connick Jr., Maynard Ferguson and Wynton Marsalis), saxophonist Lew Del Gatto (Saturday Night Live Band 1975-2005) and vocalist Suzie Hulcher with a swinging trio (piano, bass and drums). There will also be a fabulous Silent Auction and Dessert Raffle. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear master musicians playing together, one of a kind incredible art work and to help a worthy cause all at the same time!!!

For more info & tickets call 239 281-7378 or visit www.foostepstothefuture.org Ticket prices $15 and 2 for $25. VIP tickets including special reception to meet and greet Musicians and Artists, $25 and 2 for $45. Info and tickets will soon be on line at our site where you can purchase tickets via pay pal or other credit card. If people call they can reserve tickets and mail check payable to Footsteps to the Future to 16956 McGregor Blvd Suite 2 Ft Myers Fl 33908… those tickets will be available at Will Call the night of the show. Call your friends and make a night of it you will be glad you did.

Sponsorship Opportunities available call Judi 239 2817378 or email judiwoods2@earthlink.net
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE NOW!

Something to think about...

2010-03-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

I received this a few months ago and it made things very clear to me.. in helping create and developing Footsteps to the Future I found my Purpose and I my heart has been Happy ever since.. So I want to share this with you...

The Power of Purpose

The obstacles you encounter rarely have a coherent purpose of their own. They are just there, inconvenient and troublesome to be sure, but with nothing of substance to sustain them.

You, on the other hand, have the extreme advantage of being able to choose and follow a definite purpose. By so doing, instead of randomly scattering your energy and efforts, you can sharply focus and powerfully concentrate all that energy, all those efforts in a consistent direction.

Soft, gentle raindrops falling over a wide area will always yield to the contours and obstructions of the landscape. Yet when those tiny drops of water are concentrated into a mighty river, they have the power to cut through any obstruction.

In the same way, when your thoughts, feelings and actions are centered around a clear and consistent purpose, nothing can hold you back. The random and disjointed exertions of circumstance are no match for a living and unwavering purpose.

The problems, the frustrations, the challenges and the difficult situations come and go. A steadfast, meaningful purpose will carry you successfully through them all.

Give your life a decided advantage over all the burdensome circumstances you encounter. Live each moment in the service of the highest and most positive purpose you can imagine.

Ralph Marston

Employment Partnership Program

2010-03-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

Footsteps to the Future Exciting New Employment Partnership Program

In an effort to assist our community’s young women who have aged out of the foster care system and are entering the work force, Footsteps to the Future is creating a collaborative, cooperative partnership with local employers. The common goal of this partnership is to develop quality employees who demonstrate good work habits and become reliable assets to their employers. Despite the typical learning curve that teens and young adults experience when first entering the workforce, with the help of employers, mentors, and other advisers, they can quickly adapt, conduct themselves properly, and do their jobs in an exemplary manner.

Mentoring especially has proven to be a powerful and successful tool on and off the job. That has certainly been the positive experience among foster youth who have participated in a unique local program pioneered by Footsteps to the Future. As the Employment Partnership Program unfolds, Footsteps is ready and willing to provide mentoring and other assistance in order to develop quality employees from among the community’s foster youth.

The concept is quite simple. If an employer has a position available and Footsteps has a viable candidate to be interviewed, an initial contact is made. A Footsteps mentor will assist that candidate in key areas such as creating a resume and lending advice on appropriate dress and behavior for the job interview. If the candidate is hired, the mentor will then routinely follow up to assure mutual success and satisfaction for both the employer and the employee.

Most of the young people participating in Footsteps programs attend high school or college while working, so employers are asked to do their best to devise schedules that takes classes, homework, and extracurricular activities into account.

The employer also is encouraged to appoint an on-the-job mentor —often a supervisor or other adult assigned to train the new employee — who can supplement the Footsteps mentor’s role in counseling and communicating with the mentee and thus ensure a positive work experience for both parties. This only reinforces the mutual goal of helping local businesses develop quality employees while offering foster youth a safe, productive, and nurturing work environment.

Here’s a hypothetical situation illustrating how the Partnership might work: A few weeks after she’s hired, Susie shows up late one day and appears sleepy on the job. Another day, she’s seen texting on her cellphone and going online for personal business. The final straw is the day she doesn’t show up at all and doesn’t call to explain why. Instead of firing Susie, however, her on-the-job mentor contacts her Footsteps mentor and they discuss a reasonable resolution — with Susie’s input, too, and pledge to improve her behavior. On a more positive note, there are times when an on-the-job mentor will call an employee’s Footsteps mentor to report praiseworthy behavior. In both situations the Partnership encourages a genuine win-win situation.

I invite you and your company to join us in this innovative collaborative effort to improve our local employment market. Please contact Judi Woods, Executive Director of Footsteps to the Future, with your questions, comments, and suggestions. Together we can help our community’s foster youth on their path toward self-sufficiency and personal and professional success.

Judi Woods
Founder and Executive Director
Footsteps to the Future
239 275-5834
judiwoods2@earthlink.net
www.footstepstothefuture.org

ALL DOLLED UP ...AND SOMEPLACE TO GO

2010-03-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

ALL DOLLED UP — AND SOMEPLACE TO GO!

The pleasure of your company is requested, on Saturday, April 10th, at a very special event
for little girls and their favorite dolls, to be held at Hodges University Collier County Campus in Naples. Not only will this be a lovely and fun-filled occasion but also a wonderful opportunity to help other girls and children in our area.

Footsteps to the Future, a unique, non-profit mentoring and transitional-living program for young women in and “aging out” of foster care in Lee and Collier counties, is teaming up with Angels’ Activities, a local organization whose mission is to assist, promote and support children’s charities in our area. Together we are sponsoring the Mommy, Dolly and Me Luncheon and Fashion Show.

Guests are invited to arrive at the gala at 11:00 a.m. The festivities will begin with a Silent Auction, where you can view and bid on many amazing items, including artwork, spa treatments, theater tickets, and even a trip to Key West. There also will be a special raffle featuring gourmet desserts and an American Girl Doll dressed as a beautiful bride. The highlight of the day will be the Dolly and Me Fashion Show, during which a group of little girls and their dolls are sure to capture your heart as they model their look-alike outfits. We are thrilled to announce that reality-TV star Tina Dame-Zawisza, of ABC’s Ex-Wives Club fame, will serve as our celebrity emcee and auctioneer on three fabulous live-auction pieces.

All of this — and a delicious lunch — will be served as those gathered hear from Judi Woods about how Footsteps to the Future assists young women in the foster care system right here in our own backyard. As well, Emolee Barrett will discuss her Angels’ Activities project, designed to help young people in our area.

The latest girlie and dolly fashions, the joys of childhood, and scrumptious food will be the theme of the day. Moms, grandmas, aunties (dads, grandpas, uncles and assorted friends are welcome, too!) mark your calendars and prepare to be dazzled and delighted at the Mommy, Dolly and Me Luncheon. Tickets are limited, so don’t be left out. Call to get yours today — and we’ll see you there!

When: Saturday, April 10, 2010, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Where: Hodges University, east of 1-75 Exit 111, at 2655 Northbrooke Drive, Naples, Florida

Tickets: Adults $30; children $20; tables of 10 are available for $275

For more information and tickets, contact either Judi at (239) 281-7378 or judiwoods2@earthlink.net, or Emolee at (239) 597-4437 or ESBCanes@aol.com

Visit http://www.footstepstothefuture.org/ to find our more about foster youth and the mentoring and transitional-living program and http://www.myangelsattic.com/ for more information about Angels’ Activities.

Dreams Do Come True

2010-03-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

Dreams Do Come True

With our burgeoning Transitional Living Program, Footsteps to the Future has finally seen an eight-year vision come to pass. We have purchased the first home in what we call "our village." This “transition house” will be a safe and affordable residence for young women after they “age out” of local foster care at age 18 — a point at which they are on their own, typically with no family and little guidance or support from the foster system. The transition house will provide not only basic shelter, but also an environment where the girls can mature, move forward with their education and ultimately become self-sufficient, productive, responsible and valuable members of our community.

To qualify for Footsteps’ Transitional Living Program, the young women must agree to the guidelines set up in our 16-page manual, including:
• Save at least $100 per month, which Footsteps will match if they abide by the guidelines;
• Work with a professional life coach and a trauma-resolution counselor, both of whom are provided by and paid for by Footsteps;
• No use of illegal drugs or alcohol, and no males overnight at the house;
• Work toward completing their education, maintaining at least a “C” average;
• If not already working, once in the program they have 90 days to get a job;
• Participate in regular community service programs
• Learn the tools associated with self-sufficiency, living independently and being "connected" by age 25.
Footsteps is looking for individuals and groups to collaborate with us and become a part of our village — as we know it takes a village to raise a child. Our needs, which grow daily, include:
• Financial support, ideally through monthly pledges that can be processed through either PayPal or credit card accounts;
• One-year sponsorships of young women, at an annual cost of approximately $6,000 per person;
• Furniture for the living room, dining areas and bedrooms; kitchen and bathroom items; outdoor deck furniture, swing set and picnic table;
• Volunteers to do tile work, remove wallpaper, paint rooms, landscaping and various other indoor and outdoor upgrades and renovations;
• Donations of used vehicles;
• Mentors and other volunteers;
• Any and all ideas to make this house a wonderful home.

Footsteps to the Future is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, so all donations are tax-deductible.
For more information please contact judiwoods2@earthlink.net visit www.footstepstothefuture.org
Call Judi @ 239 281-7378

College Education for Footsteps

2009-10-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

While we at Footsteps to the Future encourage and help our young women to get a higher education reports find the cost of attending College rose faster than inflation.

With institutions of higher education struggling to manage the effects of state budget cuts and declines in the value of their endowments, tuition and fees at colleges and universities around the country continued to rise in 2009-10, two new reports from the College Board find.

The first report, Trends in College Pricing 2009 found that the average published price of tuition and fees for in-state students at four-year public colleges in 2009-10 was $7,020 — 6.5 percent higher than in 2008-09 — while tuition and fees at four-year private colleges averaged $26,273 — 4.4 percent higher than the year before.

The report also found that tuition and fees at public four-year colleges and universities rose at an annual average rate of 4.9 percent above and beyond the rate of inflation from 1999-2000 to 2009-10 — faster than the 3 percent and 4 percent rates of the previous two decades. At the same time, the rate of growth at private four-year institutions (2.6 percent) and public two-year colleges (1.8 percent) was lower over that ten-year period than in either of the two previous decades.

The second report, Trends in Student Aid 2009 (20 pages, PDF), found that although the amount of grant aid distributed to students increased significantly in 2008-09 (the latest year for which data is available), student borrowing also increased, as did the gap between available resources and the overall cost of attending college.
As was the case for tuition and fees, spending on food, housing, books, supplies, and other student costs increased more rapidly than the rate of inflation in 2009-10. Only at public two-year colleges did grant aid for the average student stretch beyond tuition and fees.

"It is vital that we assure access to a high-quality college education for all students," said College Board president Gaston Caperton. "While a college education is critical to long-term financial security, it feels out of reach to many students in today's economy. States and institutions must increase their efforts to reduce costs and to prevent tuition from rising as rapidly as it has in the past. We must provide generous financial aid for those who most need the funds and help students and families to understand the wide array of options available to them in our diverse educational system."

We are always searching for additional resources and scholarships for our young women so as the economic climate is stormy we can make sure they will get continue to have the opportunity to increase their knowledge. We know an education is the passport out of poverty. Recently we have partnered with Sue Zumstein the Program Manager of QUEST for KIDS a local non-profit, to help our young women as they prepare for college and beyond. QUEST is an outstanding program that has a lasting and positive impact on the young people of Southwest Florida.

Footsteps to the Holidays Luncheon and Sale

2009-10-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

SAVE THE DATE - NOV 7TH

We request the pleasure of your company at our Footsteps to the Holidays Luncheon and Sale
So, mark your calendar for this fabulous event! Saturday November 7th we are having a fun-d-raiser luncheon to be held at Renee’s Restaurant 7050 Winkler Rd # 111, Fort Myers, FL 33919. (That is on Winkler Rd. between Cypress and Gladiolus in the Myerlee Shopping Center)

There will be ten different artists who will bring their unique works for sale with your Holiday budget in mind… we will have everything from hand painted glassware to tie dye bandanas for your doggies!! There will be beautiful jewelry, fused glass, awesome photography and more. One of the exciting artist tables will be our young Footsteps artists who will be creating one- of- a- kind designer Christmas Stockings…this will be a great opportunity get a jump start on your Holiday shopping and you can Purchase with a Purpose !

Some of our young women will be models in a Fashion Show featuring a wide variety of wonderful outfits from Lucille’s Unique Boutique... this will be a real treat .. Wait ‘till you see these beautiful Footsteps Models…they are really excited about this... and you can purchase the outfits right there on the spot!!

And what would a fun-d-raiser be without a Silent Auction? We will have some teriffic items for you to bid on...including dinners, hotel stays, massages and spa packages to name a few.

We will start at 11:00 AM and wind up at 2:00 PM. Lunch from Renee’s will be a delightful buffet. The tickets are limited so do not delay get your’s today Make a Girls Day Out of this event… $25 in advance… bring a friend and get 2 tickets for $45 ($30 and $60 at the door)For more info or for reservations contact Judi at 239 275-5834 or Bev at 239 945-4527 Or email your reservation to judiwoods2@earthlink.net or bevspan@aol.com

We accept Pay Pal and Credit cards (If you do not have a PayPal account you can still just pay with a credit card by selecting that option during checkout)
Come and join us for an afternoon of food, fun, shopping and Purpose... Thanks for your support… we will see you there!!

Young Footsteps Women Become Entrepreneurs

2009-07-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE

Once in awhile we find news that makes us happy. It never hits the front page but nonetheless, it is newsworthy. There are two sisters, sisters by birth and sisters by the challenges they have shared growing up. The news that makes us happy is that they have succeeded through sheer determination and through the determination of women who have helped them along the way. Florinda and Maria Diego now work part time, go to college full time and have learned creative ways to supplement their incomes, increase their savings and be contributing members of our community.

On Saturday, July 18th from 8 am to 1 pm at Rene’s Restaurant at the Corner of College and McGregor in Ft. Myers, Florinda and Maria will be holding a sale of One of a Kind Designer Pillows they have created with the guidance of Florinda’s Footsteps to the Future Mentor Sue Kester, owner of Raine Interiors.

Footsteps to the Future is a nonprofit program in Lee and Collier Counties that mentors young women who are aging out of Foster Care without skills to become successful members of our community. Members of Footsteps will be on hand at Rene’s with delicious baked goods for sale at the Bakery to fund “The Footsteps Night Out” another idea of Florinda’s for social events for the young women mentored by Footsteps to the Future.

Footsteps to the Future supports the entrepreneurial spirit of all women, especially the young women it supports. Please stop by the event for more information about how you can help mentor young women or call Judi Woods at 239 275-5834 or visit our website www.footstepstothefuture.org

Fun for a hot Summer Day!

2009-07-16T13:08:00.001-07:00

Yard Sale, Craft Sale, and Bake Sale!

Come and stock up on “pre-loved” kid’s clothes and toys, as well as great stuff for adults too. Also see the crafts table featuring decorative pillows and jewelry handmade by Florinda and Maria Diego Juan. Sample some delicious treats from the Bake Sale that will benefit Footsteps to the Future. Sip a cool refreshment in the shade.
July 18, 2009
8am to 2 pm
Come early for the best selection
Located outside on the covered front porch of Rene’s Restaurant at the corner of McGregor and College Pkwy.
12731 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919

For questions, donations or directions, call Susan at 239-454-6454

Footsteps and Lucille’s Boutique--Not your typical clothing drive!

2009-07-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

One of the most wonderful rewards of the Footsteps mentoring relationship comes when mentor and mentee realize the achievement of hard-won educational and vocational goals. Whenever a Footsteps girl graduates from high school, earns her G.E.D., is accepted into college, and/or is hired for a professional position there is much to be celebrated---and celebrate we do---but then there is more work to be done; additional questions to be answered……

What is the proper attire for a young Footsteps woman to wear on a college campus? Wherever can a young Footsteps woman find appropriate, affordable office attire? Yes, through community partnership, we are happy to inform you that a few of our Footsteps participants have been hired by the Department of Children and Families office in downtown Fort Myers! We congratulate these young women and wish them all the best in their new jobs! Oh, but wait a minute… As in the Cinderella story, it’s one thing to be invited to the ball; it’s another thing altogether to acquire the dress necessary to attend! After being offered “target jobs” many of our girls—and their mentors—have spun into a panic knowing there are no clothes in the closet appropriate for this new office position. Not to worry any longer…………….

Footsteps to the Future, Inc. is very pleased to announce yet another new program partner: Lucille’s Upscale Consignment Boutique (located in Island Plaza at 15675 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers, 33908). Lucille’s Boutique is a treasure chest overflowing with unique ladies clothing and accessories. As a consignment shop, Lucille’s prides itself in accepting, by appointment, only current, “like new” fashion pieces that are bound to please and surprise even the most discerning shopper! Lucille’s owner, Polly Bagnall, has recently opened a Footsteps account, which will accrue funds for which our Footsteps girls can earn “clothing vouchers” to put towards the purchase of office and college campus attire.

Here’s how it works:

1. Call Lucille’s Boutique at 239.489.3554 to make a “Footsteps” appointment---keep in mind that the next available appointment is likely to be a month or two away!

2. Gather up to 20 items, which can include stylish outerwear (you know, those lovely dresses, suits, blouses, skirts, slacks, Capri’s and shorts you’ve got hanging in your closet that you’re just not wearing anymore), gently-worn shoes, carefully used handbags and fashionable jewelry. All outerwear must be cleaned, pressed, and brought to the store on hangers (your hangars will be returned to you).

3. 40% of the selling price of your items will be credited to the Footsteps account.

4. Footsteps girls will then be awarded vouchers, based on merit and need, to purchase school- and office-appropriate clothing for themselves at Lucille’s.
It’s a win-win for all, so please call and set up your appointment today!!

Footsteps Wish List

2009-07-14T17:36:00.001-07:00

Professional Services
• CPA to do professional financial statement and non –profit advise
• Attorney to give non-profit advise
• Grant research and grant writing
• Gynecologist or medical professional to work with our young women, give advise re birth control, STD’s, and family planning
• Mental Health Professional
• Financial Planning
• Business Development
• CPR and First Aide instructor

Furniture:

One of the biggest challenges we have regarding furniture is where to store it until we can use it. Many times we have to turn down items because we have no place to move it right away. In the next 3 month we will have 4 young women moving into our Transitional Living Program and we will need to help furnish places for them to live. We need a Storage Unit; individuals or an organization to fund one for us.

• Dressers and bedroom furniture
• Beds and bedding
• TV’s , desks, bookcases ,computers ,printers, monitors
• Living room furniture, end tables, lamps, chairs , couches
• Bathroom furnishing, towels, rug, shower curtain,etc
• Shampoo, lotions, tooth past ,personal hygiene items ( needed on an on going basis)
• Cleaning supplies, and detergent, vacuum cleaner, broom, mop ( needed on an on going basis )
• Miscellaneous kitchen items, pots, pans, dishes, toaster, flatware, blender, etc.

Services
• Mechanical, auto maintenance
• Home maintenance instruction
• Employers willing to hire, train and work around school schedule of aged out foster youth

• Other needs:

Our 2 most significant, immediate financial needs include:

• Support of our Transitional Living Program. Funds to support program development and implementation

• Host a Visionary Gathering to introduce people to our program

• Sponsors to fund young woman in Transitional Living Program
• Fundraising ideas and sponsorship
• Tutors, high school and college
• Mentors, mentor recruitment
• Computer help, maintaining data base, Face Book, Twitter and Footsteps Blog
• Volunteers to transport young women to monthly meetings
• Volunteers to help young women in public speaking , writing papers for school
• Affordable Housing
• Used vehicles for transportation to work and school

These are just some of our needs… if you have an idea, talent, skill or a treasure to share, please contact us @ 239 275-5834 or email judiwoods2@earthlink.net or visit the website www.footstepstothefuture.org

Footsteps to the Future is a non-profit 501c3 organization, we furnish all donors with a tax exempt letter

Mindful Mentoring®: A Training Workshop for Footsteps Mentors

2009-06-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

By Sandra Coyle, Ph.D.

As our Statement of Purpose makes clear, Footsteps to the Future, Inc. (hereafter, Footsteps), is a mentoring program designed to match young women currently in, or about to “age out” of (at 18), foster care with role model adult women who agree to be their mentor for at least two years. Our program seeks to attract caring women who can inspire, encourage and guide young mentees along their paths toward achievement of the skills and knowledge necessary for them to live successful, independent adult lives. We also recognize that because young Footsteps women have unique needs and challenges, a unique mentor training program would be necessary, as well. Such a training program would need to help make new mentors mindful of and sensitive to the various circumstances and special needs often facing our young Footsteps participants.

In 2003, Footsteps founder Judi Woods presented me with the opportunity—and a challenge—to develop such a training program. After much research, meditation and prayer, the idea of a mindful mentoring approach to the training came to me. A mentoring program approached mindfully would be one that fosters growth and development among our Footsteps participants that is consciously undertaken, purposefully organized and directed, and lovingly aware of the fine line between empowering and enabling. Later that year, it was my privilege to develop and facilitate the first “Mindful Mentoring® Workshop” for mentors and program administrators. In the past six years, the workshop has been conducted numerous times, involving more than 35 participants in the program. Our current goal is to continue recruiting enough new mentors to conduct one training each quarter of the year.

During this six-hour workshop, participants are provided with fundamental lessons on how children typically develop and learn. We also discuss how attitudes and behavior can be adversely impacted when children are not provided an opportunity to develop successfully during the early stages of life. New mentors are then presented with tools to assist them in preparing to meet and get to know their new mentee, communicating effectively with their mentee, and coaching their mentee through goal-setting and problem-solving discussions.

It is helpful to remember that the word “mentoring” has its origins in the Greek word meaning enduring: a sustained relationship between and youth and an adult. The Mindful Mentoring® training is committed to reflecting the spirit of that definition, as well as the belief that through consistent, enduring involvement, one dedicated mentor can virtually change the course of a youth’s life, from one of misfortune to one of achievement and self-sufficiency. If you or anyone you know would like to learn more about becoming a Footsteps mentor, or this valuable training, please contact Judi Woods at 239.275.5834 or judiwoods2@earthlink.net.

Shining Star: Darlene Achille

2009-06-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

Darlene Achille, a Footsteps Shining Star is honored

Thursday May 21st Darlene Achille was honored as one of two outstanding former foster youth by Florida Children’s First. FCF is a 4 star non-profit dedicated to advocating for Children’s Rights. Darlene is a former foster child. This remarkable young woman has taken care and protected her 4 siblings since she was 8 years old when she walked into a DCF office and said something was wrong at home. Today, despite the odds and after many years of traumatic struggles and challenges, Darlene is thriving, successful and an inspiration to all who know her.

Darlene was introduced to Footsteps soon after she aged out of foster care and last year was honored by our Board as the first of our young women to graduate with a degree from FGCU. Soon afterward she moved to St. Mary’s Fl., taking her sister and her niece with her. This was a new beginning for all of them. Darlene has remained the caregiver for her sister; helps raise her 8 year old niece and works retail in a local establishment. She hopes to be able to attend graduate school in the near future. We are so proud of her!!!

Greetings from Judi - Spring Edition

2009-06-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

Spring is the season of growth and renewal — and that’s an apt description of what’s been happening with the Footsteps to the Future over the past few months. Eight years ago, when we launched our original mentoring program, we envisioned it becoming a positive, driving force behind the empowerment of young women in our community’s foster care system. Indeed, Phase I of the program has proven very successful, with more than 83 young women mentored. What’s more, a few of the girls who came to our very first mentor meeting are still, now as young adults, involved in the program. Obviously, they haven’t outgrown their need for love and positive reinforcement that is the cornerstone of the mentor program. Along the way, our organization has grown organically and blossomed into a viable solution to some of the monumental challenges facing young women as they prepare for the day when they “age out” of the foster care at 18. We consistently worked with teens in the system and established relationships built on trust, understanding and love, primarily through one–on-one and group mentoring.

Nearly two years ago, as our original vision expanded, we transitioned into Footsteps to the Future. We focused on Phase II of our initial plan and have recently initiated a Transitional Living Program, which provides safe and affordable housing for aged-out young women as they are emancipated from foster care and have to live on their own with few life skills and very little to rely on. This has presented us with a new set of discoveries and challenges if we wanted to grow our program. We had to find a way to create even greater awareness in the community of the plight facing this population of young adults. We felt that once people became better informed of the situation occurring right here in their own backyards, they would be compelled to help make a difference. With that goal in mind, we have created “Visionary Gatherings.”

Last August, our first Transitional Living effort placed two young women and a child in a wonderful townhouse. Using skills learned from their mentors, and following our preset housing guidelines, these young women are thriving. They’ve continued their education, become more goal-oriented, and are realizing the benefits of making positive choices in their evolving lives.

In July, two more young women, both just 18, will joining our Transitional Living Program. They are both excited and scared at the thought of being on their own, but also are grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program and to benefit from the guidance and resources we offer them.

Those include the constant contact we maintain with them, professional life coaching, and the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyles, physically and mentally. In return, the women in the program are expected to be responsible and accountable.

Through our personal observations and close relationships with all the young women involved with Footsteps, we have witnessed a wide range of damaging effects resulting from the trauma most foster children experience in the process of being removed from their homes and growing up in the system. That’s why our Transitional Living Program is also addressing a form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among foster children. We’ve contracted with several respected, well-trained professional clinicians to assist our young women in dealing with PTSD.

All things considered, we believe that Footsteps to the Future has become a progressive vehicle that offers real solutions to foster youth. Yet we also realize that the job is far from finished — and that we need the public’s help as we move forward. We ask you to please consider becoming a part of Footsteps to the Future. To learn about how you can make a significant difference in the lives of local foster youth and help them prepare to be the leaders of tomorrow, we invite you to attend one of our 50-minute Visionary Gatherings. In addition to viewing our informative new video, Aged-Out Foster Youth: Challenges and Solutions in Our Community, you’ll meet some of the young women in Footsteps and see just how you can fit in their future.

Contact me now if you want more information, and/or want to attend a future Gathering. Send an e-mail to judiwoods2@earthlink.net

The legendary anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Her wise words ring true now more than ever.

Love,

Judi Woods
Founder and Executive Director
Footsteps to the Future

What's Up: So, You Think You've Got Talent?

2009-06-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Once a month, Footsteps to the Future sponsors special events in Lee and Collier counties where our young women, mentors and volunteers come together to share a meal and participate in various life-skills training activities. Over the years, we’ve visited local banks to learn how to open a bank account and access online banking. We’ve gone to the Career Center in Ft. Myers, where our young women received job assessments and personal contacts with employment counselors. As guests of Health Park Hospital, the girls were introduced to the different types of jobs available in healthcare, including their education requirements and pay scales.

Last month our Ft. Myers group had a memorable experience when they met with Shawn Holiday, a teacher, writer and “improv guru,” who presented an awesome interactive session. Shawn also is a producer and director of children’s theatrical programs, live comedy shows, radio and television broadcasts, and a variety of concerts and events. During our Footsteps meeting, he used his magic to teach such valuable skills as responsibility, teamwork, coordination, poise, diction, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and making adjustments to life. Everyone participated and came away with all sorts of new talents and ideas.

There was so much enthusiasm at the end of the meeting, it was decided that the young women of Footsteps, under Shawn’s tutelage of Holiday, will create their own version of So, You think You got Talent? to showcase their multi-talented selves and let people know about them. Stay tuned for more information about this exciting production!

We Are So Grateful!

2009-06-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

We Are So Grateful!

Gratitude is the magnet that brings more of what we are grateful for into our lives!

** A few months ago, an incredible man and his wife — who wish to remain anonymous — embraced Footsteps to the Future in a magnanimous way. They donated five pre-owned vehicles to our Vehicle Donation Program. This program awards cars to young women in Footsteps. To qualify, they must have a driver’s license, a steady job, be attending school, and have saved $500 for vehicle maintenance. Our generous benefactors also made a significant financial donation to help support our ongoing vision. These funds will enable Footsteps to move forward with our Transitional Living Program and to continue to do the work that is so vital to the success of our young women. We Are So Grateful!

** Last month, we welcomed and trained five new mentors to our Mentoring Program. Each one of them has already proven to be incredible additions to our growing family of dedicated volunteers. We Are So Grateful!

** Within the past two months, nine young women in foster care have joined Footsteps, and we received four referrals from The Children’s Network. We Are So Grateful!

**This month, Captain Walter began putting our newsletter together.
We Are So Grateful!

What is a Footsteps “Visionary Gathering”?

2009-06-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

vi•sion•ary
A vision can be political, religious, environmental, social, or technological in nature. By extension, a visionary can also be a person with a clear, distinctive and specific (in some details) vision of the future, may be connected with social change. Other visionaries simply imagine what does not yet exist, but might some day, as some forms of visioning provide a glimpse into the possible future.

gath•er•ing
A gathering is where a group of stimulating people of quality, under the roof of an inspiring hostess or host, come together to increase their knowledge through information and conversation.

Footsteps to the Future, with the generous support of local volunteer hosts, conducts a series of Visionary Gatherings where concerned individuals such as yourself are made aware of the plight of aged-out foster youth. For example, did you know that…
• 70% of foster youth age out of the system (in Florida, at age 18) without a high school diploma or GED
• 50% of foster youth re-enter “the system” after aging out via drug and alcohol abuse, crime, unwanted pregnancies and homelessness
• 70% of the prison population has spent some time in foster care

At these special events, we also showcase our brand-new documentary, Aged-Out Foster Youth: Challenges and Solutions in Our Community. Working with a grant provided by the American Association of University Women, Footsteps contracted with John Biffar of Dreamtime Entertainment in Cape Coral, FL, to produce the 12-minute video. After hours of filming and expert editing by Dreamtime’s Dave Beaty, we have assembled an enlightening and entertaining film, including several compelling stories from the young women in Footsteps.

We are currently seeking individuals and groups to host 40-minute Visionary Gatherings. We ask hosts to invite 8-12 people to your home or business to view the Footsteps video, meet some of the wonderful young women in our program, and ask guests to become involved with our program, from mentoring to donating clothing. Refreshments — bagels and coffee, tea and scones, or wine and cheese — are typically served. No Gathering is too large (the video premiered recently at “Jazz on the Green” to hundreds of people) or too small (two women watched the video at the SW FL Community Foundation last month).

If you, or someone you know, would like to host an upcoming Visionary Gathering, please contact us at judiwoods2@earthlink.net. As we like to say: We need your Time, your Talent and your Treasure!

SW Florida Denny’s Launches Foster Youth Employment Program

2009-05-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

By Marcia Hopkins York, SWFRI, Inc. d/b/a Denny’s Restaurants

Our Denny’s franchise, Southwest Florida Restaurant Investments (SWFRI), in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, has always been innovative and forward-thinking. We’re not afraid to try new things, especially if the cutting edge could possibly affect our community and business in a positive way. Sometimes a business has to step outside the box and contribute by investing time and energy into something that can go further than dollars to accomplish a goal.

In the past, our Denny’s franchised business has supported and participated in children and youth programs locally and nationally, so it was natural that the concepts put forth by Footsteps to the Future for assisting foster youth who “age-out” of the system would catch our attention. Footsteps’ program that provides transitional housing is fantastic! When you realize that more than 50% of emancipated foster youth end up homeless at some point, you know something must be done. But it has to be more than just providing shelter. If we expect foster youth to ultimately attain independence and become productive members of society, they must be employed. They must earn an income and learn to pay rent and buy groceries, clothes and other necessities.

However, for a former foster youth, securing employment is more difficult than it sounds, especially in this economic environment. Now more than ever, a company looks for a quality candidate with job experience. Because most foster youth have either not been previously employed or lack past work references, the opportunities for employment are almost non-existent.

Businesses also consider the abilities and job skills of the candidate. With no previous experience, it often takes newly hired young people more time to learn the job. They risk termination before they can get up to speed.

The bottom line is that many businesses prefer not to deal with the challenges of hiring and training inexperienced young prospects. In turn, that begins the all-to-familiar cycle of rejection among those former foster youth who can’t find jobs, leaving the door open for other less desirable pursuits, such as drugs and crime.
Because dealing with these problems cost businesses more in tax dollars than training and a paycheck for the inexperienced, our Denny’s franchise decided to step up to the plate. As an employer, we thought there might be a way for us to participate, not in a traditional way, but by forming a program that would work with Footsteps and aging-out foster youth. SWFRI Denny’s is now assisting in developing a quality aged-out foster youth employment program by providing a combination of training and coaching under one umbrella.

The program is a work in progress. Currently, the hiring process goes like this. Footsteps evaluates the aging-out individual who is in their program. A level of that individual’s desire to work is determined, as well as other pre-qualifications. There is guidance every step of the way. The individual is briefed on how to dress for an interview, she practices filling out application forms, and is then sent to us for an interview. Our Denny’s managers take the candidate through the interview process, including drug testing and criminal background checks. Upon employment, the candidate is placed in a job code where we feel she has the best chance for success, for her and our business. The new employee’s wage rate is discussed with Footsteps to ascertain that she will be able to support herself.

During the initial training period, if there are any problems, the manager contacts Footsteps, and together we discuss how to resolve them. Conversely, Footsteps is also notified when improvement or leadership skills are shown. This enables management and Footsteps to work together to acknowledge positive growth.

Much of the coaching is done on an ongoing basis within the scope of the job by the managers in each restaurant. Our Denny’s managers are educated through programs and classes offered or suggested by Footsteps. In this way, our managers gain an ownership in the employment program and become better equipped to work with not only foster youth, but their entire staff. Some managers have reported that the lessons learned through Footsteps have helped them deal with their own children.

So, how’s the program working in our Denny’s restaurants? You be the judge. Our first experience began over 18 months ago when we hired a young, aging-out foster woman to be a cook. After a bumpy start, she is developing into one of our stronger cooks and enjoys her job. With further education, she may choose to become a chef. A second young woman was hired with no experience and a slight language barrier.

Learning her duties and the menu was an obstacle in the beginning, but she came to work every day after attending college classes with a big smile on her face. We worked through Footsteps and her mentor, and she now knows the menu. Her smile remains, her tips have increased substantially, and she continues to pursue her college degree. An added benefit is that her language skills have dramatically improved in the process of taking food orders and talking with our guests.
We recently hired another young woman and placed her in the hostess position. Her excitement and enthusiasm is contagious.

Despite these success story, the program does have its challenges, but we are still in the learning process. Best of all, we’ve found that an amazing thing begins to happen when working with Footsteps. A win-win scenario takes place. As a business, we are now giving so much more back to our community. Because of employment, a growing number of former foster youth are learning how to support themselves by learning job skills and earning an income. SWFRI Denny’s has become integral in helping these young individuals develop into not only productive employees, but responsible and independent individuals. There is a great deal of pride that develops in these employees as the growth continues, and also in the business environment where that growth becomes evident. However, the real reward comes at the end of a shift when that employee smiles and says, “I’m going home.” We smile and know that “home” is a place where she’s paid the rent with a paycheck she’s earned, and our business helped make it possible!

Marcia Hopkins York, one of the General Partners and franchisee of Southwest Florida Restaurant Investments, Inc., has been operating Denny’s restaurants in Fort Myers and Cape Coral since 1992. She was invited to the White House on several occasions in recognition of her work in children’s programs in Fort Myers. She is a recipient of the Denny’s Champion of Children Award and the National FSI Pacesetter Award.

Footsteps Letter of Introduction

2009-05-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

Foster care was originally designed to be a temporary stop for abandoned, neglected, and abused children in the United States. Today, however, there are more than 800,000 children in foster care in the U.S., many of them for years. There is a big push to address the conflicts and dysfunctions within the homes where these young people come from and, if possible, to reunite them with their birth families. The process is slow and challenging. Meanwhile, far too many children continue to grow up in the foster-care system, are not reunited with their families, are not adopted, move from one foster home to another, bounce from school to school, and rarely build any positive, reliable relationships with adults. And then at age 18 they are abandoned yet again, as they officially “age out” of the foster-care system, making them no longer “wards of the state.” Unfortunately, most of these youth leave foster care without a high school education, without sufficient life skills, without a place to live, a job, without an adequate education—and without much hope for their future.

Consider these startling statistics regarding “aged out” foster children:

50% will fall prey to crime, drug or alcohol abuse, unwanted pregnancies, and homelessness;
70% do not have a high school degree or a GED;
25% becomes homeless within three years of leaving the system;
70% of the nation’s prison population have spent some time in foster care.

There are over 1,800 foster children in SW Florida, over 16% “age out” annually. Footsteps to the Future, a 501c3 non-profit incorporated in the state of Florida, is committed to introducing former foster youth—primarily young women—to the opportunities essential for self-sufficiency and a healthy, productive lifestyle. Our goal is to provide them with tools so they may become empowered to make positive choices and reach their highest potential. We will achieve this by providing mentoring, assistance with safe, affordable places to live, access to education, employment readiness, and life skills training and coaching. Our core values encompass self-reliance, accountability, love, integrity, and personal responsibility.

We hope to accomplish our goal by offering a variety of programs. We have developed a unique one-to-one life-coaching/mentoring/empowerment program, drawing upon the wisdom and compassion of a growing number of successful women from our community who volunteer their time and talents to improving the lives of “our girls,” as we love to call them. Mentoring is a matter of trust. It is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support, and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee.

We arrange monthly meetings with mentors and mentees where we provide dinner and conduct life-skills training. Some examples of that training include:

Visiting a local bank, where they can learn about opening their own savings and checking accounts, on-line banking, and use of ATM cards. We follow up that meeting with detailed, hands-on sessions on how to set up a realistic personal budget—and how to stick to it.
Visiting Health Park Hospital for a presentation about working in the health care profession, including education requirements and compensation potential.
Inviting public health professionals to speak about sex education, STDs, birth control, and abstinence.
Inviting local businesspeople to discuss what an employer looks for in a prospective employee, including proper attire and etiquette, and to conduct mock job interviews.
Inviting local educators to speak about higher education opportunities, both in colleges and trade schools. Our mentors help the young women fill out financial-aid and scholarship forms.
Inviting motivational speakers, including former foster children, to tell our girls what they have done to become educated, productive, successful, and loved—and that they can do it, too.

The Footsteps Vehicle Donation Program is available to those young women who qualify and demonstrate they are responsible and accountable. We arrange for individuals in the community to donate their used vehicles. Then, when a young woman needs transportation to school or to work, we try to provide them with one of these vehicles. To qualify the young woman must:

· Be 18 or older;

· Obtain a drivers license (we have contracted with a local driving school to provide lessons, which Footsteps helps pay for);

· Attend school and maintain at least a C average;

· Have a full or part-time job;

· Maintain $500 in a bank account for necessary vehicle repairs.

· Remain actively involved with Footsteps

To date we have provided 13 vehicles to our young women.

In August 2008, the two young women became the first to enter our Footsteps Transitional Living Program. To qualify, they had to sign an agreement with Footsteps to strive for self-sufficiency by attending school, entering the workforce, saving money, and adhering to prescribed house rules. In return, Footsteps locates safe housing, negotiates an affordable lease, assists in housing and furnishing costs, and provides ongoing life-coaching and counseling. We offer services to young women from ages 14 thru 26.

To help support those and future programs, Footsteps has developed a proprietary mentoring training program that all our mentors must complete. Designed specifically to meet the unique needs of these young women, the program, called Mindful Mentoring, is followed up by a companion program/curriculum, Maturing Mindfully, in which mentors work one on one with their mentee. Both programs are geared toward goal-setting, communication, and building positive relationships.

Footsteps to the Future has accomplished much thus far, most importantly the ability to affect change in the lives of young women who have, through no fault of their own, have endured often difficult lives that forced them into the foster care system.

Failing to support this group of at-risk youth through the difficult transition from foster care to independence can and often results in enormous cost in terms of wasted lives, disrupted communities, and the taxpayer burden of delinquency, dependence, homelessness, and incarceration. Clearly, preventative services are the most cost-effective way to meet the needs of this population and change their plight. By giving former foster youth access to the resources they need, we heal the symptoms of a broken system. Through our advocacy on a local, state, and national level, we work to repair the system and change lives, one footstep at a time.

Please contact us to learn how you can join in this journey toward success. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Judi Woods

Founder and Executive Director

Footsteps to the Future, Inc

www.footstepstothefuture.org

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. — Margaret Mead

References and financials available upon request.

Health and Harmony Center… Your Alternative Healing Sanctuary : 2009 Health Fair

2009-02-28T17:45:00.000-08:00

Saturday, Feb. 28 Kandy Love’s Health and Harmony Center had their second annual Health Fair. Those who attended were able to experience every service which is offered at Health & Harmony Center. The day will filled with hands on presentations, education, fun and inspiration... Along with the services, they also had a Silent Auction featuring many of the Center services, local artists and authors, creations and products. Over $500 was raised for Footsteps that afternoon.

In addition to that, we showed our video… Aging Out Foster Youth…Challenges and Solutions in Our Community. People were very receptive and most were totally unaware of the situation foster youth face when they turn 18 and are all on their own. We definitely told a story that made people stop and think about how they could effect change in the lives of former foster youth.

Judi Woods and mentee Jenny M. were there representing Footsteps and answered many questions people had about why and what we do at Footsteps.

We are grateful for the support Kandy and her staff continually gives to our program and to our “girls”, thanks again!!

2009-02-06T20:42:00.001-08:00

Got home tonight and saw that our wonderful webmaster created this blog..thanksRenee. This afternoon Jenny and Maria took off for Ft Lauderdale on a little vacation to celebrate Jenny's 21st Birthday!!! Off on an adventure...hope you too have a blast...Judi

Jazz on the Green supports Footsteps to the Future

2009-01-17T17:37:00.000-08:00

Jazz on the Green, the annual Musical Event brings music, food, art, and a sense of community to Southwest Florida. It also raises money and awareness for children and the environment through Southwest Florida Children’s Charities and Wild About Green Programs. This year Jazz on the Green chose to helped Footsteps to the Future showcase our program.

It was a beautiful setting on the River in Downtown Ft .Myers, there was a chill in the air and a good time was had by all; especially by one of our “darlings” Jenny, as she blushed when one of the young performers, B.K. Jackson, stood next to her in the crowd and played his Saxophone. What a thrill!!

If you attended Jazz on the Green this past January you had the pleasure of seeing the debut of a documentary film “Aging Out Foster Youth…Challenges and Solutions in our Community” about Footsteps to the Future and the work it does. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) granted Footsteps funds to produce a video about foster care and Footsteps’ contribution to our community in an effort to increase awareness of some of our local foster children. Through the generosity and skill of producer John Biffar, Dave Beaty and Whitney Sickles of Dreamtime Entertainment located in Cape Coral Fl., this film, a longtime goal of Footsteps to the Future was realized. There was a hush over the crowd as the audience paid close attention to the story about foster care youth and Footsteps enfolded on the screen. Thanks to Renee Bledsoe and all our friends at Jazz on the Green for your support.