Events

2011 Annual Gift for the Holidays and Special Raffle for Donors! (http://friendsofsfilsp.com/ways.to.give)

Dear Friend,

Emancipated foster youths often lack stability in their lives and must overcome daily obstacles to reach their goals and dreams. Imagine that:

You were awarded a full scholarship to a prestigious university in New York but you soon turned 18 and were emancipated from foster care. Without family support, you have no idea how you will pay the airfare from San Francisco and you may have to turn down the scholarship.
As a working, full-time college student, you recently lost your job in the economic downturn. You will be unable to pay for either your rent or tuition. You lose your place to live and have to drop out of school.
Through persistence and determination, you finally land a job and find housing. But living from paycheck to paycheck, you can only afford to pay monthly rent, lacking upfront money for the security deposit. As a former foster youth you used to get housing assistance but you are now no longer eligible.

Everyday emancipated foster youth face incredible odds and difficulties to live on their own without a helping hand. The Friends of San Francisco Independent Living Skills Program (Friends of SF ILSP) believes young adults transitioning from foster care in San Francisco deserve to have the financial and emotional resources they need to build a foundation and succeed.

Friends of SF ILSP enables former foster youths to stay in school, obtain safe housing, or meet other needs that support them in becoming successful and contributing members of society. We make a difference by supplementing the help provided by SF ILSP, a program of the San Francisco Human Services Agency that prepares current and emancipated foster youths of ages 18 – 21 for independent living through financial assistance and counseling. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operated only by volunteers, we can ensure that over 90% of our funds on average go directly to foster youths served by SF ILSP. Typical grants fund emergency and dire needs as exemplified above. We also help support college tours, graduations and other SF ILSP activities.

Up to 300 youths emancipate from foster care in San Francisco annually and most need help to succeed independently. Because of the state and city budget crises, the overall budget of SF ILSP has been cut drastically while the down economy makes independent living even more challenging. As a result:

40-50% of youth become homeless within 18 months of emancipation.
Almost 75% have had an unmet need of over $45,000 when applying for federally funded foster youth grants in CA.
50% experience high rates of unemployment within 5 years of emancipation.

We need your help and generosity to build a solid foundation for emancipated foster youths. Your tax-deductible donation can make it possible for them to attend college, find stable housing, be inspired by a college tour, and access essential opportunities. You will be able to know that, in the words of a Friends of SF ILSP youth, “You have made a huge impact on my life.”

Warmest Thanks & Happy Holidays,

Arlene Hylton, Ed Lam, Jenny Lam, Judy Goddess, Kai Wilson and Kathy Phillips
Board Members, Friends of the San Francisco Independent Living Skills Program

Donate online through our website: http://friendsofsfilsp.com/ways.to.give
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL RAFFLE!!
In addition to helping emancipated foster youth, your donation can also help you win a fabulous prize. Each $20 you donate will gain you entry into the raffle. For every $100 donated, an additional bonus entry will be included (5 + 1 bonus entry for 6 entries).

GRAND PRIZE ($2,100 value)
1 WEEK IN 3BED/3BATH CONDO AT TAHOE NORTHSTAR
During the spring, summer or fall, to be booked ahead of time, subject to availability
Take a look at the VRBO listing: http://www.vrbo.com/175071

RUNNER-UP PRIZE ($449 value)
1 YEAR MEMBERSHIP TO GOLD’S GYM
Any of the four gyms in Marin, SF or Oakland

Winners will be announced in January 2012. Good luck!

Donate online through our website: http://friendsofsfilsp.com/ways.to.give

Mail your donation to:
Friends of SF ILSP
c/o 225 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94103

Tax ID# 20-2692409

Testimonial

“Thank you so much for sponsoring me on the Black College Tour. It was so much that I learned from this trip. I really appreciate all you have done for me. Thanks to you I was able to find the college for me. Talladega College I am on my way!!”