 STAR Fund
What is the STAR Fund?
CONCERN established the STAR Fund (Supporting Teens After Release) to meet the gap in services which often exists when young men and women "age out" of the child welfare system.
Transitioning from childhood to the responsibilities of adulthood is difficult enough without the additional burden of having little or no support system in place.
According to national statistics from the Child Welfare League of America, 25,000 older teens "age out" of foster care each year. According to one study, 12 percent of these children reported living on the street or in a shelter since discharge. At least another 20 percent received public assistance.
It takes more than love to prepare a child for independent living.
CONCERN’s STAR Fund will provide financial assistance to teens leaving our care but who may need support for technical training, vocational education, college-related expenses or housing needs. What is eligible? Categories of needs/eligible activities:
1. Education
2. Training and employment opportunities/necessities
3. Housing
Who is eligible?
 Young adults transitioning out of a CONCERN program who must prepare for the responsibility of independent living may apply.
What is the application process?
Grants are made through a competitive application process on an open timetable. A client must submit an application to his/her caseworker who will submit it to the site director. The STAR Fund Review Committee may then approve the application, return it to the applicant for more information or deny it. In addition to the application form, STAR Fund applicants must provide letters of reference from three of the following: caseworker, foster parent, school official/teacher, employer, placing county agency representative, or clergy. A goals essay is also required.
What can I do to help?
Funding - In order to meet the education, training and housing needs of our clients who "age out" of the child welfare system, we need and accept financial contributions to the STAR Fund.
Training/Job Opportunities – Youth need more than money to guide them into the future. On-the-job training, internships or job shadowing provide young adults with an opportunity to establish themselves and provide companies with an enthusiastic, well-trained workforce.
In-kind Donations – Youth leaving care for independent living often need material items many of us take for granted. CONCERN accepts donations for its LifePacks, which include a set of bedding items, silverware, dishes, and other household items.
STAR Fund Mission
CONCERN is committed to the idea that a lack of financial resources should not stand in the way of young people and the goals they have set for themselves.
Click here for a printable STAR Fund brochure |
