ABOUT FYLIP
Based on the alarming statistics listed below and the immediacy of the issues concerning the transitioning foster youth in Corpus Christi and South Texas, a group of concerned citizens within our community has resolved to help by forming a collaborative: Foster Youth Life Investment Partners-FYLIP. It is the goal of the organization to help empower foster youth to become independent, self-sufficient, and productive members of the community, and who will set a positive example by becoming role models that inspire others to follow in their paths.
- Every year, more than 20,000 American foster youth turn 18 and step out into the world alone, most of them without any kind of support or resources.
- In Texas, an estimated 700-900 foster youth leave the foster care system annually. At any given time there are approximately 2,000-2,500 former foster youth, ages 18-21 living in the state.
- The number of transitioning youth is expected to increase in the coming years as more children are projected to enter the Child Protective Services foster system.
- In Corpus Christi and the six surrounding counties (Aransas, Bee, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Refugio, and San Patricio) that number increased from 34 in 2002, 45 in 2003, and 54 in 2004. In 2005 the number of youth receiving transition foster care services was 99.
- Currently, the statistics are rising exponentially; over 150 area foster youth are eligible for transition foster care services.
- Research studies indicate that the majority of these emancipating youth will experience:
- Low educational attainment
- High economic insecurity
- Homelessness
- Unemployment
- Single parenting
- Crime and victimization
- Lack of health and mental health services
- Lack of positive adults in their lives to support and assist them
FYLIP TIMELINE
2001: Wence Rodriguez, San Antonio Field Office Director for Casey Family Programs, expressed a belief that services such as housing, transportation, food, etc., are necessary and should be extended to transitioning foster youth in Region 11 thus insuring their success.
Spring 2002: A community assessment was conducted in Corpus Christi (including foster parents, CPS workers, foster care alumni, foster youth still in care, etc.) to determine local services and gaps in services to transitioning youth. Results of gathered data indicated the following problems confronting area foster youth:
- Housing
- Basic Needs
- Basic Life & Preparation Skills
- Healthcare & Support Services
- After Care Services
Fall 2002: Local media including television stations and newspaper and people from the community attended a meeting to discuss the findings of the spring assessments.
Fall 2002: FYLIP was formed to help address these issues and assist young people with a successful transition out of foster care.
Winter 2003: FYLIP became a tax exempt (501 c 3) organization, established bylaws, and began monthly meetings. The members started the process of soliciting funds to help transitioning youth in the identified areas of need.
2004-Present: The Corpus Christi Housing Authority provides Housing Vouchers—(5) Section 8 Set Aside Vouchers.
Fall 2005: Foster Angels of South Texas—FAST Foundation provided over $20,000 to young adults for rent and college textbooks for the academic year. SNAPS-Kingsville at TAMUK was established as an official club on campus. SNAPS is an acronym for Showing New Alumni Positive Success and serves as a campus foster care alumni support group.
December 2005: With monies from funds awarded through a Coastal Bend Community Foundation (CBCF) grant, FYLIP set up a Hotline with 24/7 answering service, printed brochures, and developed a Web Page.
February 2006: Through two separate grants worth over $6,000, from CBCF, a total of (18) young people were assisted with emergency housing, utilities, medical needs, and educational needs. Summer of 2006, SNAPS Corpus Christi was established to assist youth transitioning out of the state foster care system.
Fall 2006-present: Coastal Bend College in Beeville, Texas provides 2 housing scholarships per academic year. Texas A&M University Kingsville—TAMUK provides 4 housing scholarships and 4 full meal tickets per academic year. HEB Groceries provided FYLIP $1,500 in gift cards.
January 2007: HEB Groceries provided FYLIP with $1,500 in gift cards.
November 2007: Opening of a One-Stop Center that provides emergency resources and basic services i.e. housing assistance, educational guidance, employment help, counseling, self-awareness classes, support groups, etc.
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