5 minute read
Changemakers
MEET some of THE LOCAL CHANGE MAKERS
Charlene “Charlie” Bradt
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LMSW, MPH Instagram: @charlie_barley84 “I believe that investment in community-based initiatives focused on social, racial, and economic justice is critical to advancing equity and building healthy, thriving neighborhoods. By making racial equity an explicit goal in community-based initiatives, we can begin to uproot historically oppressive structures and create conditions necessary for lasting systemic change. Supporting initiatives that prioritize social and economic justice is crucial to empowering every human being in our communities with the resources needed to carve out meaningful and sustainable livelihoods. I am a believer in incorporating young people into every aspect of these initiatives — the future of our communities depends on their ability to thrive.”
Since 2020 Charlie has led a solo bike ride fundraiser to raise awareness about and funds for Mission Accomplished Transition Services during our annual Back 2 School campaign. In 2020 she rode her bike from Rochester, NY to Albany, NY. Our partnership with Charlie inspired us to enhance our annual campaign by inviting others to host private fundraisers in support of our mission, team, alumni and students.
Throughout my life I have been blessed and fortunate to experience different levels of success in various industries and vocations. One might say that I have lived several lifetimes during this single one. Throughout it all, the trial and error, the successes and failures, encountering the different souls along the way from the sideline observers to the “ I’ll support you if you do it the way I think you should do it” encouragers, from the supported prove they have your back, to the ones looking for the first opportunity to stab you in yours, one thing has remained constant for me and that has been to share what I’ve learned in order to help others persevere to achieve their own goals and dreams. It’s just been the right thing to do. I have always said that I don’t have to be the one to do it, as long as what needs to be done, it gets done, because it needs to get done, and if I can help in that process in some way, then I’ve done my job. I’ve always believed that “To whom much is given, much is required” whatever that may look like for an individual, in terms of money, time, or spirit. So, as we have been blessed, I believe it our obligation to pass those blessings on to others.
MISSION MESSAGE: Ron has been a consistent support to Mission Accomplished Transition Services. He has invested hundreds of pro bono consultation hours as a proposal writing advisor for rising fashion icons who participate in the Advanced Fashion Edition Institute since 2017 and advisor to our Chief Coach and Founder. We value his dedication to our mission, team, students and alumni.
Other organizations Ron supports are: Lincoln Community Center , Hot Warrior Yoga Training, United Capital District Baseball/Softball Association
Ron Quartimon Senior Consultant
Erica Warner
Stewardship Manager LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erica-l-warner726a151b/ Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work for a variety of organizations, from higher education to non-profits. What I found that drove my passions in these organizations was the fact that I was giving back in a variety of ways that made people happy. Whether it was connecting with students on campus and encouraging them to achieve their dreams, or, organizing a volunteer festival that engaged people across the Capital Region, it was making a positive impact in the community. To this day, I truly believe we are all philanthropists at heart!
Connect with us
OurMission:The mission of Foster Can, Inc. is to bridge current youth in foster care and young adults in transition out of foster care to resources to help them overcome social, academic, vocational, and housing barriers through coaching, mentorship, and charity.
OurVision
We envision a time where the academic, career, and housing statistics of current youth in care and alumni tell a story of success and resilience.
DiversityStatement:
"THE BEST PART OF US IS YOU!" HONORING DIVERSITY, FOSTERING EQUITY, PROMOTING INCLUSION, ENCOURAGING JUSTICE, AND INSPIRING BELONGING! We believe that a diverse and inclusive work and service environment is just the beginning. It is our goal to foster a community of team members and individuals we serve who feel they belong. Along with diversity, equity, and inclusion; justice and belonging are cornerstones of our mission. We are committed to doing the hard work to ensure that Foster Can, Inc is a safe place for all despite experience, race, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or religion. We embrace collaboration with other organizations doing the same!
DreamBiggeris a scholarship program that provides financial support for pursuing higher education and career exploration for qualified students in foster care or transitioning out of foster care. All recipients must be enrolled in a college or vocational trade program, or a recent high school graduate seeking employment.
LiveBetter is a transition program that provides support to young adults, 18 -30 yrs., that no longer have the state and federal resources of the foster care system. The program includes a one-time housing grant for qualified youth transitioning out of foster care, that will support the first month and security deposit for the lease signing of an apartment, as well as other household items. The program also includes a 1-year aftercare program that includes transition and skill-building workshops that will focus on key pillars for a successful transition to independent living such as budgeting, accessing community resources and support, the significance of community connections, employment readiness, higher education, maintaining health and wellness, etc.
Joinus: Partner with us to make a difference in our community. It truly
"takes a village "! Join us for one of our events or volunteer to support our programs. Please contact us at info@fostercan.org.
Support: You can make a one-time donation or a recurring donation by mailing us a check or money order to Foster Can Inc. | PO Box 1708 Troy NY, 12181
