Why Give

Mike and Debbie Quillen

The period of transition from high school to college and living independently is a critical time for all young people – but especially so for foster youth. Imagine trying to work through seemingly immense changes without a parent, family member or mentor to guide you. Through no fault of their own, foster youth are on their own once they age out of the foster care system at age 18.

When foster youth fail to make the transition successfully, it can have devastating consequences not only for those youth, but for their communities. The statistics are grim for foster youth who age out of the system without any type of support:

• Over 25% will be incarcerated in the first two years after leaving the system
• Over 54% will become homeless or unstably housed
• Less than 2% will earn a college degree, compared with 28% of the general population

Fortunately, we know the solution: Great Expectations greatly increases the likelihood of success for foster youth. Great Expectations helps each foster youth develop an individual path forward. Peer mentors are available to provide support and guidance. This individual help and attention makes a big difference in how successfully foster youth are able to transition into being independent, active and contributing members of their communities.

Great Expectations works – and it’s a great investment. Just $250 a month covers the support that foster youth need, including education programs, mentors, career coaching, academic counseling, assistance with financial aid and student and community activities. Compared with the annual cost of welfare or worse, Great Expectations provides an excellent return on your contribution.

We need your support to make Great Expectations a reality for all of Virginia’s foster youth. Make a donation today. Learn about naming and investment opportunities that will greatly increase access to Great Expectations for foster youth. Meet some of the young people who have been helped by Great Expectations and the donors who are helping pave the way for their success.

Mike and Debbie Quillen support Great Expectations for a number of reasons. Number one? They have raised foster children and understand the importance of a program like Great Expectations in helping youth in foster care become successful.

Mike elaborates, “We understand and recognize how important education is to people in drawing out their potential. We believe that if we can help this program, that helps take people to that next level in their education, it just opens up so many more doors to them. It can impact them for the rest of their lives.”

“We know that each individual has to make their choices about where to make their donations, but we appreciate the support of everyone who follows us by supporting this great program. Thank you.”