Aspiranet, Ashley Furniture to house, furnish six transition-aged foster youth in new apartments

Most young adults have parents who support them through their transition into adulthood – helping them open a checking account, applying for their first job, or driving them off to college with a car full of necessities. However, for many in foster care, the scenario can be quite different.

Aspiranet, one of the largest and most innovative non-profits supporting children and families across California, specializes in working with transitional aged youth (TAY) ages 18-21 in Southern California. The human services agency has proven success in greater Los Angeles; 58% of participants in Aspiranet’s TAY programs pursue post-high school education, over 50% are employed, and 100% of youth in the agency’s housing program enter into stable housing.

To build the bridge between foster care and independence during Foster Care Month, Ashley Furniture, the world’s largest manufacturer of furniture, is continuing its partnership with Aspiranet and will donate six furniture sets to former foster youth. Furniture items include bed sets, chests of drawers, sofas and coffee tables.

Aspiranet and Ashley Furniture will announce the donation on Thursday, May 12, at 11 a.m. PDT, at the Ashley HomeStore in Long Beach, California.

“As a provider of Transitional Age Youth Services, the funding we receive allows us to meet the basic needs of these former foster youth,” explains Jeannie Imelio, Executive Director for Aspiranet. “This donation allows us to provide enriched opportunities, and goes well beyond what the youth can even imagine for their first home. It helps to create a warm, safe, and well-equipped space for them to start their adult life.”

Aspiranet’s Transitional Housing Placement Plus Foster Care (THP Plus FC) Program offers transitional age youth in California the option to live in a multi-family housing unit or 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 Elie Moussaed, Ashley Furniture Regional Manager. “It is heartwarming to know that we will be able to give these young adults 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.”

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:

Who: Aspiranet, Ashley Furniture, local dignitaries, TAY youth

What: Ashley Furniture to donate furniture sets to TAY youth

When: Thursday, May 12, at 11 a.m.

Where: Ashley HomeStore Long Beach, 7410 Carson Blvd, Long Beach, Calif.

Interview opportunities: TAY youth recipients, and Aspiranet and Ashley Furniture representatives

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.