1 minute read
New Beginnings
In the last year, more than 70 kids have aged out of the foster care system across Broward County. At the age of eighteen, these young people are sent out into the world with little support or the necessary life skills to become financially independent. Without many family or friends to turn to, they often feel alone in their efforts to create a successful life for themselves.
4KIDS Spirit of Success Institute (SOSI) is a two-year residential program that seeks to give struggling young adults in the community the chance to start over. By offering affordable housing, SOSI aims to relieve some of the financial burden on our community’s aged-out youth, as well as other adolescents that have fallen on hard times. Residents are provided with employment opportunities, life skills classes, accountability, and ultimately a sense of family.
Advertisement
“The best part about SOSI is the love and support everyone offers. This program meets the needs of every SOSI resident. There are no words to describe how much of a blessing this program is for each and every one of us,” shared Genesis, a current SOSI resident.
Genesis is just one of SOSI’s 13 young adults working toward a bright future. Recently, she began her first semester at Trinity International University. Majoring in psychology, Genesis hopes to use her degree to help others in their time of need. By being a part of SOSI, Genesis is even able to receive free therapy to help her process past trauma and become an even better psychologist herself one day.
“We want to help make the rest of their lives the best of their lives,” shared De Kelly, SOSI’s program coordinator. “Many of these kids have faced unspeakable hardship at such a young age, but we truly believe anyone can transform their story if they never give up- that’s what we always tell them,” De added.
Over the last fourteen years, more than 200 adolescents have found hope, homes, and healing with the help of the SOSI program!
