VERO BEACH — Young adults that age out of the foster care system at age 18 are faced with a broad range of challenges as they transition into adulthood without the love and support of a family. Most of the young adults, who are enrolled in Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Transitional Living Program, do not have a driver’s license and have never driven a vehicle.
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation recognized this need in our community and awarded Children’s Home Society of Florida, Treasure Coast Division, with a $2,500 grant to underwrite driver’s education for many Transitional Living Program clients.
“Obtaining a driver’s license is an essential step in these young adults path toward adulthood and independence,” explained Jan Swink, Executive Director of Children’s Home Society of Florida, Treasure Coast Division. “The Bank of America Charitable Foundation grant will have a tremendous impact on our client’s transportation issues related to access to education and employment. We are most grateful to Michael McGee for being a champion for this cause.”
Michael P. McGee, C.T.F.A. is Managing Director, Regional Trust Executive – Southeast Florida for U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management. He has served on Children’s Home Society of Florida, Treasure Coast Division, Indian River Advisory Board since 2005 and served as co-chair of the Development Committee.
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting high-impact initiatives and organizations, developing visionary leaders now and for the future, and providing general operating support and funding flexibility to build strong, diverse communities for the future. This year, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation and other business lines, will contribute $200 million to address critical issues facing the neighborhoods and communities it serves.
The Transitional Living Program provides young adults, ages 18-23, with a continuum of care after they age out of the foster care system with financial assistance, job training and mentoring to prevent homelessness and break the cycle of abuse and neglect that have been part of their lives. The Youth Transition Center, located on the Vero Beach Campus is a residential component of this program.
For more information about donations to support Children’s Home Society of Florida programs and services in Indian River County, contact Dee Benjamin, Development Specialist, at (772) 778-6340 or [email protected].
The Children’s Home Society of Florida is the sixth largest of more than 1,200 private organizations currently accredited and/or in process of accreditation in North America (US and Canada). The Treasure Coast Division, which is one of 15 divisions in Florida, served 11,607 children and their families in fiscal year 2011 in Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties. The nonprofit organization’s programs are developed to break the cycle of child abuse and provide children and young adults with the opportunity to be safe, healthy and prepared for life.
For more information visit chsfl.org or call (772) 344-4020.
