Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2013

For many Maryland youth--those who are aging out of foster care or those who passed through that portal in the not-too-distant past--facing independence in a brave new world is a nightmare.  Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center (MFYRC), a Baltimore/Prince George's-based nonprofit, is helping to erase the bad dreams of young adults in their late teens and early 20s by tapping resources for immediate housing, workforce training, education completion (or new training beginnings), and mentoring needs, just to name a few directly-offered services. 

MFYRC was founded in 2008 by Shalita O'Neale, herself a former foster youth, who knew from a tender age that one day she would be facing the steep and daunting challenges of young adulthood without the safety net of either family or state-directed care.  She chose to pursue as many opportunities as became available to set herself firmly on a path of healthy independent living, including completing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Maryland.  Not content with her own success story, she started MFYRC to prepare others to open the doors and breathe in the good air of self-sustainability.

Recently, Baltimore Magazine honored Shalita by naming her one of its "40 under 40" young professionals of the year. 

If Shalita can do it, we know our youth possess that same resiliency.  What they need is a little help from us and their friends in the greater Maryland community.  We know we can count on you to join in that wonderful circle of friendship!  Sometimes all it takes is a little something to keep us all going during the holiday season.  We deeply thank you for your support!