Volunteer Me
I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve. Albert Schweitzer {Philosopher, Physician & Humanitarian. 1875 - 1965}
“To
laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty,
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
From PBS regarding kids aging out of the foster care system
Q: WHAT ARE THE FUTURE PROSPECTS OF YOUTH
WHO AGE OUT OF THE FOSTER SYSTEM?
A: Youths leaving the system -- typically at age 18 --
face daunting obstacles and many are not well-equipped to manage the transition
on their own. Studies of these youths four years after leaving foster care show
that fewer than half of emancipated foster youth have graduated from high
school, compared to 85 percent of all 18-to-24-year-olds. Fewer than one in
eight has graduated from a four-year college. Almost two-thirds have not
maintained employment for a year and fewer than one in five is completely
self-supporting. More than a quarter of the males have spent time in jail and
four of 10 have become parents.