A house to a home: Ashley Furniture donates furniture sets to Aspiranet former foster youth for Foster Care Month

Each year, approximately 5,000 18-21 year olds in California transition out of the foster care system and have nowhere to go. While this new chapter in the lives of these individuals should be a positive experience, the sad reality is that too many are left without a roof over their head, a bed to sleep on, or a mentor to guide them through their transition into adulthood.

In an effort to help build the bridge between foster care and independence during Foster Care Month, Ashley Furniture, the largest manufacturer of furniture in the world, has partnered with leading California human services agency Aspiranet to donate four furniture sets to former foster youth. Ashley Furniture will be donating an array of furniture items, including bed sets, chests of drawers, sofas and coffee tables.

Aspiranet’s Transitional Placement (THP-Plus) Program offers transitional age youth throughout California the option to live in a multi-family housing unit, a single site. In addition to housing, young adults in the program also receive support for basic needs, emotional support, jobs and education.

“It’s important we shed a light on the obstacles facing youth transitioning out of foster care,” said John Santos, Ashley Furniture Regional Manager. “It is heartwarming to know that we will be able to give these young adults some essential items that will make their house feel like a home, and peace of mind knowing they can focus on pursuing their educational and career dreams without the worry of balancing basic day-to-day needs.”

To learn more about Aspiranet’s services for transitional age foster youth, visit www.aspiranettransitions.org.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:

Who: Aspiranet and Ashley Furniture

What: Ashley Furniture to donate furniture sets to transitional age foster youth

When: Thursday, May 7, at 11 a.m.

Where: Ashley Furniture, 2753 E. Eastland Center Drive, West Covina, Calif. 91791

About Aspiranet

Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) strengthens children, youth, families and communities through seven core programs including: Foster Care, Adoption, Residential, Transition Age Youth, Behavioral Health, Intensive Home Based Services and Family and Community Services throughout 45 locations within California.

Founded in 1975 as a six-bed group home for young boys in Moss Beach, Calif., Aspiranet is one of the most diverse nonprofit social service agencies in the state. With a statewide network of innovative services, Aspiranet serves more than 10,000 families each year. For more information, please visit www.aspiranet.org.