Grad Bags for Foster Teens: Change Lives

0:00It's March 16, here's your Birmingham News in two minutes. The Children's Aid Society of Alabama has kicked off its annual grad bag campaign to help high school seniors aging out of foster care. The goal was to raise $20,000 statewide so every senior in foster care gets a suitcase packed with essential items for their next. Chapter This effort tackles a tough reality many of these teens face, with a graduate with all their belongings stuffed in garbage bags. The suitcases will be handed out at a big statewide graduation celebration on May 2nd at the Harvard Center in Birmingham. These gifts mean a lot, according to the independent living program director. They empower kids who have overcome huge struggles to step into adulthood with a high school diploma and real support. Former foster youth are three times less likely to graduate high school than peers and 40% end up homeless after leaving the system. The program has boosted graduation rates to between 63 and 69% in recent years for its

1:00participants. That shows how targeted help can change lives. You can pitch in with a $150 donation for a full grad bag or any amount works. Check out their Amazon wish list too. The campaign runs through March 31st, so now is the time to make a difference. This DNA story comes to you, thanks to our sponsor. Headphones in a pillow, simple idea, surprisingly addictive, S-O-L-I, soldypillow.com.