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About the Foundation
The Alex Smith Foundation
The Alex Smith Foundation will concentrate on developing and promoting programs in six basic areas:Mentoring
Steadying hands, strong role models, and intergenerational synergies can provide the essential support for teens thrown unprepared into independence.Education
Good jobs jobs with futures-require general knowledge, reading and math skills, and proficiency in computers and technology.Housing
Young adults who haven't had a permanent home, need stability. This begins with a place to live-a place they can callInternships
On-the-job training builds skills, confidence, and a network of working friends and associates.Jobs
Employment provides a secure income, encourages accomplishment, and helps create responsible adults.Advocacy
With its concentration on improving systems and changing counterproductive laws, advocacy is our path to the future.Why?
Why does our society spend billions of dollars on foster children, only to abandon these kids when they're on the verge of becoming adults? It seems like we're dropping the ball at the goal line.
Within two years of leaving the system, why do:
- 50% end up unemployed?
- One-third require public assistance?
- Almost one-third become homeless?
- 25% become incarcerated?
- Less than one in 10 attend college, and only one in 100 actually graduate?
Source: Children's Law Center of Los Angeles
At the Alex Smith Foundation, we don't believe in sitting along the sidelines, watching foster children fail. And, we're not as interested in "why", as in "how" - can we help?