By Jessica Dillon
Fostering Champions, a Christian-based non-profit new to the Martinsville-Henry County area, is working to build housing for young adults aging out of foster care.
The organization, which also operates in other areas including Franklin County, aims to provide stable housing and support for youth transitioning to adulthood.
A groundbreaking was held March 4 on the first home site, located on Pebble Road in Martinsville.
“We’re trying to break into Martinsville to rally support for our Martinsville homes. We would like to have a boys and girls home,” said Lacey Jarrell, donor engagement coordinator.
Each home will house up to four residents and will be supervised. Organizers hope to eventually establish separate homes for boys and girls in the area.
“We want this to help kids for a long time,” Jarrell said.
The organization is seeking sponsors to help fund the homes. Sponsoring a room costs $10,000, and businesses that fully sponsor a room will have a plaque placed in the home. Donations of clean, gently used or new household items also are accepted.
Fostering Champions was created to address gaps in services for foster youth, particularly those aging out of the system.
“We are one of the worst states in the United States for foster children,” Jarrell said.
While living in the homes, residents will receive help learning life skills and preparing for independence. The organization also provides transportation, technology, clothing, food, “blessing baskets” and scholarships.
The group cites James 1:27, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world,” as a guiding principle for its work.
Fostering Champions is seeking volunteers and mentors to support the program. It also plans to host its first local gala May 15 at New College Institute. The event begins at 6 p.m., and tickets cost $50. Organizers are seeking sponsors, as well as donations for door prizes and a silent auction.
