01/31/2024
Bridging Transitions: Educate for Success Paves the Path for Foster Youth in Cherokee County
A beacon of hope flickers for teens aging out of foster care, as they often stand on the precipice of uncertainty. Facing the daunting challenges of adulthood, these young individuals are welcomed by the nurturing embrace of a new nonprofit organization, Educate for Success.
Founded by Henry Stevens and Andrews native Jeana Conley, who has witnessed the harrowing impacts of drugs and poverty in Cherokee County for more than five decades, the organization is a silver lining for those teetering on the edge of destitution.
"We're going to become an extended family for them," Stevens said, emphasizing that Educate for Success is not simply providing handouts. "Life is not easy; you gotta work at it. That's our philosophy: you gotta work at it, otherwise, we're not going to be able to help you either."
Educate for Success is strategically positioned to work in harmony with North Carolina’s Foster Care 18 to 21 Program, an initiative designed to extend vital foster care benefits and services to young adults aged 18 to 21 who meet specific criteria. The synergy between the two programs is designed to provide a seamless transition for these young individuals, ensuring that the path from foster care to self-sufficiency is not only clear but also supportive and empowering.
Educate for Success emerges as a vital sanctuary in a state that ranks 15th in the U.S. in terms of homeless population, according to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). The organization's mission is to dissipate the clouds of despair and furnish young minds with the resources and skills needed for a brighter, self-sufficient future.
Nestled across the street from Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital on E U.S. Highway 64 Alt, the organization’s inaugural property will soon open its doors to provide transitional housing for three deserving teens. This initiative is the first step in their journey towards resilience and empowerment, with the property standing as a symbol of security and stability.
The qualifications for this program are twofold: participants must be aged between 18-21 and be enrolled in Tri-County Community College (whether to acquire their GED or to pursue an associate’s degree), or in a parallel apprenticeship program resulting in qualifications for skilled employment. By intertwining education with shelter, Educate for Success lays a foundation for a future where dreams are not just fleeting thoughts but achievable realities.
“We’ll help them move toward obtaining their four-year degree too,” Conley said.
But the organization’s commitment doesn’t just stop at education and housing. With an ardent passion for sustainable development, Educate for Success is fostering avenues for apprenticeships in tradesmanship and facilitating employment opportunities. This multifaceted approach equips youth with the requisite skills and knowledge, planting the seeds for a flourishing career and a life marked by dignity and fulfillment.
In addition to transitional housing, Educate for Success has undertaken the renovation of a 17,000 sq-foot former church on U.S. Highway 64, envisioning it as a community resource center. This transformational space is a testament to unity and collaboration, offering local nonprofits complimentary office space under the condition of resource-sharing. Moreover, this hub will host a temporary job placement service, providing a stepping stone towards long-term employment for those ready to embark on their vocational journey.
“We want to bring together as many organizations as possible, so that through the synergy of it we can share resources and change lives,” Conley said. "We think that every person we have a connection with is another connection to help. Maybe some of the organizations working out of here can help with workforce development or mentoring."
Educate for Success stands as a guardian of potential. Conley’s intimate understanding of the region’s struggles with drugs and poverty, coupled with Stevens’ experience in business and helping faith-based communities, fuels a relentless drive to uplift those who need it the most and ensure every child aging out of foster care is endowed with the tools to construct their own destiny.
“I support the idea very much,” said Amanda McGee, Director of Cherokee County Department of Social Services. “We need resources to help our young adults aging out of foster care to help ensure they are successful. I support this completely and would offer whatever help is needed.”
The resilient spirit of the youth of Cherokee County finds a harmonious match in Educate for Success. The organization aims to be more than just a provider; its goal is to be a companion in the journey of growth and self-discovery, ensuring that the transition from foster care to independence is not a path walked alone, but one filled with guidance, care, and unyielding support.
"There should be equality among human beings, regardless of your economic condition,” Stevens said. “We're all in the same family, right?"
