Yadira Martinez Patricia Aguilera Alexis Serrano-Dawkins Akilah Kirkland

A GING OUT POPULATION “Aging out” refers to the process of youth reaching the age of 18 and leaving the foster care system. They are young men and women who entered the foster care system, were never adopted and have reached the age of 18. When they reach the age of 18 they are “adults” and must fend for themselves. Where does that leave them? With no families, friends, support system, and with money they haven’t been taught to use wisely. When the youth age out most of them usually end up returning to unhealthy environments. These young men and women lack basic skills: Such as money management, making positive choices, sexual education, applying for college, maintaining a job, applying for a job, going to the doctor for check up, buying a car, paying for bills, finding and maintaining a place to live.

H ISTORY M ission: To help young women transition successfully from foster care to independent living. Non-profit organization 2004 Established 2006 Opened February 2008 Casa Valentina launched their fundraiser Walk A Mile In Her Shoes campaign. Is a way to have the community and fundraiser become aware of the issue and how it affects these men and women Services for young mothers as well as young men.

S ERVICES Casa Valentina services are: Safe and Affordable Housing: Finding housing for transitioning youth is difficult. Casa Valentina offers them a monthly rent of $320 all utilities included. The apartments are fully furnished, single rooms or double rooms. They reside for one to three years based on their needs. Life Skills: Transitioning youth have a difficult time learning basic skills, due to not having consistent housing or families, therefore Casa Valentina focuses on teaching these young women skills such as: Cooking, cleaning, how to find employment, banking, personal health, relationships and self- esteem. Environment of Support: Finding positive role models to keep these women motivated and in the right track is very important in order for them to learn to stay focused and independent. Casa Valentina offers mentors in almost all fields. They offer: education mentors, tutors, job coaches and other positive adult role models.

A GING OUT FACTS According to Our Kids, more than 130 girls age out of foster care each year in Miami-Dade County According to Casa Valentina 50% will drop out of school Only 25% will still be enrolled in school Only 2% will have earned a 2-year-degree 62% will be unemployed months after aging out 50% will be unemployed at age 21 Their median yearly income will be $5, % will become homeless within three years 60-70% will have a child by the age of 21 30% will be arrested between the ages of 18-21

C ONTACT I NFORMATION SW 35th Avenue Miami, FL Tel: Fax: Emanna Louis, MA Program Manager 2990 SW 35TH Ave Miami, FL Tel: Fax: Contact : Call: Donate: Gift Cards: Purchase and donate Gift Cards from local stores for the youth to use. Shop: BDazzledJewels.com A % of items sold goes towards Casa Valentina, apparel, jewelry and accessories. Sponsor : Sponsor or organize an event or fundraising project to raise money for Casa Valentina. Volunteer: How you can help

O UR V IDEO Thank you