This is a small dedicated grass-roots group that works directly to help in the community. Because of this they don't have the high profile visibility of some other organizations,but the work they do to help vulnerable young people get a start on their own can truly make a world of difference to that young person.
As a young Latina Foster Youth there were a lot of situations where I felt alone and almost defeated, but thanks to the Friends of ILSP Scholarship I was able to gain support and overcome my struggles. Thanks to scholarships like this scholarship I am able to look back at my life and see that even though times were hard there were always there people who cared about me. I was truly blessed to be touched by an amazing support and resource.
Friends of SF ILSP makes it possible for foster children to make ends meet as they pursue higher education. There are so much more expenses to consider besides tuition that most people do not consider and that is where Friends makes the magic possible. Students can focus on achieving their education without worrying about where they will live or when they will eat next. In addition, Friends contribute greatly to the emancipated youths by helping them celebrate their Christmas and high school graduations by giving them the appreciation and recognition they deserve. Please help us continue our drive in providing foster youths the opportunity to succeed given their disadvantages growing up.
I have worked for more than 15 years with families and children involved in the foster care system. Children who leave foster care, as they "age out" of the system need all of the same things that any other youth need: practical, financial and emotional support. However, they are often without families on whom they can depend for these basic needs. This is where ILSP steps in to try to fill in all of those missing parts, as much as possible. ILSP's work is absolutely necessary for foster youth to move ahead successfully into productive adulthood.
Did you ever have to leave home with one black garbage bags for all your things, just cuz you had turned 18? If you were lucky, someone might say... "good luck..." That is most often the story of a foster youth leaving "the system." SFILSP is a program supporting foster youth who must make this transition and FRIENDS raises money and awareness for these incredible youth who face and surmount enormous challenges. Money raised goes to scholarships and other "grants" that support young people who are going to college and need money for books, luggage to get there, and a myriads of other needs for youth struggling to meet the costs of housing, a bed for a child to sleep on, and well just imagine what else... FRIENDS is a sustained by an all volunteer board and monies raised go directly to the foster youth who apply and interview for any grants awarded. This is a fantastic non-profit and I know my donations and their service are making a difference.
From day one, Friends of ISLP has been advocating and supporting foster youth in the bay area. This organization is simply fantastic!
Given the number of foster youth who age out of care and end up at best, struggling to at worst, homeless, it's important for the Friends of the SFILSP to exist. The people are on the all-volunteer board are amazing and tireless in their efforts to ensure that the transition to "adulthood" for most of SF's youth is as successful as possible! I love the work of this group and think they are incredible!
I am glad to know that a great organization exist to help the youth of today. I think it is a wonderful Thing!
A passion for foster youth and deep personal connections came together seven years ago to make Friends of SF ILSP a reality. It was my privilege to serve as founding board president. Our goal was to increase opportunities for former foster youth to succeed in school, to find work and to live in safe, stable housing by helping fill the gaps in funding available to them. What means the most to me are the many inspiring young people we supported who did not give up on themselves and stayed true to their dreams in spite of the obstacles - youth with no family, young mothers and fathers, those taking care of grandparents and aunts, youth working hard to become artists, lawyers, writers, car mechanics, accountants, fashion designers, psychologists, musicians, social workers, computer experts, and hairdressers. Often all a youth needed was someone to pay their security deposit to enable them to rent an apartment, to buy a plane ticket to get them to the college in the East where they had earned a full scholarship, to help with tuition, buy books, or even pay a dentist bill. Through the hard work of a small, all volunteer staff, our organization has been able to provide nearly 200 youth with this type of support. More than 30 youth have gone on national college tours and been inspired to continue their education. Numerous youth have attended board sponsored graduation and holiday celebrations. I am fully committed to this organization and, most importantly, our members are fully committed to these amazing youth - doing everything they can to provide that extra support to those who just need a little boost in order to succeed.
As a newbie to San Francisco, I wanted to get re-involved in the non-profit world and feel like I was making a difference. Upon reading about the Friends of SFILSP, I was instantly amazed at the large impact a smaller organization was making in foster children's lives. I was lucky enough to be granted the honor of serving on the board and it's great to see the passion in everyone's faces as they look for new and innovative ways to help kids achieve their dreams. Such a fantastic organization with a beautiful mission deserves this recognition.
When I was looking for a non-profit organization to get involved with, I knew I wanted one that had a clear mission to help youth in need, a committed team, and a proven track record of maximizing the use of every dollar donated. I could not be more pleased with my discovery of Friends of San Francisco Independent Living Skills Program ("Friends"). Driven by an all-volunteer board, Friends provides emancipating youth with grants and scholarships that help the youth stay in school and pursue their dreams. I had a chance at a recent event to meet some of the youth that this organization serves and hear many of their stories - so much determination to reach their goals even amidst devastating challenges. The founders of Friends are phenomenal and have poured more than just time and money into this organization - they pour their heart and soul. Like the youth that Friends supports, they are an inspiration! I am proud to be involved with Friends, and believe them to be very deserving of a top-rating. Easiest review I've ever given.