DCFYI is a terrific organization that makes a big difference in the lives of young people and the volunteers who spend time with them. Susan Punnett, the executive director, is a marvel of compassion, vision, and realism. The time I have spent with young people in this group has been rewarding and has challenged my assumptions of my role as a volunteer. I thought that once I finished my training and clearance, I would be matched with a young mentee and we would be on our way. Nope! Relationships are allowed and encouraged to develop naturally, as adult volunteers and young participants get to know each other during semi-monthly activities (which are quite varied), and occasional smaller get-togethers. The young people are endearing, determined, funny, talented, aggravating, mystifying, lovable -- just like all young people. The commitment to both mentor-mentee relationships and group activities is one of the real strengths of this program. Whether it's through mentor-mentee, adult-young person, or volunteer-volunteer relationships, DCFYI works to strengthen the community that makes a real difference in the lives of the young people in the program.
DCFYI is more of a community than a charity. The connections and relationships that are forged in this community are unique and impressive. Teenagers in foster care and young people that have aged out of foster care are in dire need of more mentors, hosts, families, and positive role models in their lives. DCFYI fills an all too often missing component in the lives of young people in foster care.