Genesis Hopeful Haven

Over 150 youth transition out of the child welfare system annually in South Florida. According to local statistics, youth who age out are 20% more likely to become homeless; 61% are incarcerated by their 19th birthday, 84% are diagnosed with mental health disorder, 50% will not graduate from high school; and fewer than 3% will earn a college degree. Most research studies on this population demonstrate that due to the lack of parental guidance and resources, foster youth age out and fail to transition successfully into independent adulthood.

Our work focuses on working with foster youth to stop the vicious cycle of poverty, crime, high school dropout rate, abuse and neglect. GHH aims to create a community around foster and former foster youth that works in support of their future sense of belonging, fulfillment and success, fostering new beginnings for each and every one of them. Our main programs focus on building life skills, employability skills, mentorship/community, educational success, and providing safe, supportive housing. The development of life skills are facilitated by an evidence-based curriculum delivered by Florida International University students and local partners. Employment skills are fostered using intensive tutoring and other educational supports to ensure timely graduation; further support includes weekly career readiness workshops and internship opportunities. Finally, youth become part of our community, built with a family of caring adults who are there to support them in ways that mirror traditional family structures.