Teen foster support
I've been hosting a local high school senior since the group home she was at for 2 and 1/2 years converted their house to all boys. Anta and I had recently met and my own housemate was moving out so the timing seemed perfect. The non-profit managing the group home offered $385/month stipend for room and board which was less than my previous housemates had contributed to the monthly expenses but workable with a bit of frugality. Unfortunately, the stipend funding suddenly dried up at the end of February and there is no real hope of it being restored. The non-profit offered Anta a room back at the group home but I'm not considering that as an option. Having been outside the DCYF system, my friend is not eligible for any other housing assistance. She does work part-time but uses that little bit of money for living expenses in addition to the food and supplies I keep in stock. She also receives food assistance through SNAP.
After contacting my representatives and some wonderful folks working on youth policy, no financial assistance has materialized. I've been making due with my recent tax refund and some grocery gift cards I got for Christmas of last year. Before resorting to having to use my credit card to fill the gap, I'm hoping that even small donations can add up to help with our housing expenses from March 1 until June 30 when Anta leaves for a full 4-year scholarship to Barnard College at Columbia University. Thank you if you're able to help but if you're not thanks for reading and please keep us in your thoughts.