For Sponsorship Information
Contact Dr. Karen Lawson
k.lawson@reachwithin.org
For Donations by Mail
Reach Within
P.O. Box 1201
Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965
Checks payable to The Bartholomew J. Lawson Foundation for Children, the parent company of Reach Within.
A $10,000 investment provides safe shelter and a 9-month curriculum for 8 young people to successfully launch into independent living within the community.
Young people who have experienced trauma and who have been part of the child welfare system are at increased risk of homelessness, joblessness and lack of educational opportunity once they turn 18 years, at which time they are asked to leave residential or foster care. Reach Within’s 9-month co-living program is designed to help these young adults establish vital skills and savings plans needed for independent living. This program bridges the gap between residential care and low income housing project schemes within the community.
Caring for a child doesn’t stop at 18. Your investment breaks trauma cycles so the next generation thrives.
How it works:
Youth who are turning 18 years old and who have a history of childhood trauma are recruited for the project.
They may be leaving foster care, a residential care home, already street connected or their release from a juvenile detention center is contingent upon safe housing.
Youth participate in a one-week intensive orientation.
Trust-building exercises begin and house guidelines are co-created to promote self-efficacy skills. Nightly house meetings continue to ensure project success.
Youth participate in a 9-month program based on scientific research for a successful transition into young adulthood. Self-regulation sessions, individual mentoring, job & life skills training, stipend and savings plan are provided on weekly basis. Creative arts are also used to support self-identity.
Youth will create a post-project transitional housing plan. Youth can apply for low income housing, co-sharing opportunities or an additional 9 month project cycle. Mentoring continues for up to three years post transition.
Community engagement is integral to everything we do.
Key training for higher education, business and healthcare professionals in trauma informed care will generate potential job opportunities and promote successful transition.
Sponsor a trauma healing project and receive progress reports every 3, 6 and 9 months and then 3 months post follow-up.
Thank you, your contribution changes lives for generations to come.
