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Times Dispatch Notable Gifts Reports: SisterFund grant will support youths aging out of foster care

SisterFund, a giving circle created in partnership with The Community Foundation, has awarded $20,000 to support young women aging out of foster care.

The money will go to the Possibilities Project, a collaboration between the Children’s Home Society of Virginia and the Better Housing Coalition.

The project offers access to education, safe housing and life coaching for young people who wouldn’t otherwise have those supports.

Their emotional health issues are addressed through counseling that recognizes the long-term impacts of childhood trauma. The program also helps establish lifelong connections, another critical need for young people.

“For youth entering the world without the supports of family or resources, this grant can be the difference between a path to incarceration or homelessness and a future in which they are empowered to live independently and become successful, thriving adults,” said Nadine Marsh-Carter, executive director of CHS. “We are excited to partner with the women of SisterFund to produce better results for foster care youth in Virginia.”

The long-term goal is to create a model based on best practices that can be replicated across Virginia and the country, she said.

“It is not our first grant, nor our largest,” said Bruin S. Richardson III, chief development officer of CHS, “but we believe it is very significant because it demonstrates the vital importance of this program to change not only the lives of the young people in the program now but also the lives of those who will be in the project in the years to come.

“The SisterFund’s support will help us to leverage the program going forward in part because of the prestige associated with winning the grant.”

SisterFund considered many “compelling proposals” for the grant, said Evette Roots, a founding member and marketing chairwoman of the fund.

“Ultimately, we were inspired by The Possibilities Project’s comprehensive approach and its long-term goals to affect systems change statewide. We felt we could make a difference financially, but also by staying informed and engaging in public policy.”

SisterFund was founded in October 2015 with 26 members who came together to learn about issues affecting African-American women and girls and to support nonprofits serving this population.

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