S o why $1.5 million and why now? The youth and their needs are here now and changing the game for them today will impact both their tomorrows and our communities at large. Currently, our team does it’s best to support each youth as best they can with what is available. As many of you may know, Options Community Services provides over 80 programs covering a multitude The Gamechangers Fund
Examples:
» Help pay for clothing so that they can attend a graduation ceremony or a job interview with their head held high » Cover day care or tuition costs for a young mother so that she can complete an educational program that allows her to provide a better life for her young family » Pay first and last month’s rent when no other funds are available » Help a young person further their independence by paying for driving lessons or getting their driver’s license which is often needed for employment » Help with the cost of sports or recreation fees so that children can join their peers in activities that build skills, friendships and self-esteem
» Get endangered youth to a safe place » Provide needed mental health support » Provide guidance and mentoring » Help youth escape gang involvement
By having this fund available, OCS staff will be able to help offset the stress suffered by many at-risk youth by helping them surmount barriers that can lead to a remarkable improvement in their lives. This discretionary fund can also be accessed by our partner agencies through a referral to Options staff. In this way the entire community benefits in the most effective and timely ways possible.
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