The Foyer of Philadelphia Unveils Three-Year Plan
Last Updated on Tuesday, 01 June 2010 19:27 Written by Sam Martino Friday, 28 May 2010 10:19
The Foyer of Philadelphia’s mission is to provide housing, job training, education, and counseling along with other enrichment programs for LGBTQ youth who are aging out (ages 17-24) of the foster care system, or who are homeless.
There are currently seven board members, one of which was a foster child herself, who while completing her B.A. Raisha worked in youth development programs for at risk and foster children. Raisha went from being a foster care child herself, to a proud board member of The Foyer of Philadelphia. The other board members, Noel Ramirez, Vice President, Kate Miller, Executive Director, Sophie Forge, Treasurer, Gillian Pears, Secretary and Richard Moreau all of whom are volunteers, and working diligently to bring the Foyer to it’s fullest potential.
Primarily being a housing initiative, the Foyer of Philadelphia has proved there is a strong need for their service, being the only exclusive Foyer for LGBTQ youth. The “Be The Base Information Session” unveiled their three-year plan, which includes fully opening their doors to the LGBTQ community in 2013, along with housing and a full range of programs such as educational services, employment services, and step down services.
At the "Be the Base" event, Leigh Braden, Founder and President of The Foyer spoke about the needs.
What drives you to make an impact on the LGBT youth?
I spent years working in the foster care system and it has left a deep imprint on my soul. Providing, housing and supportive services to these young adults who are aging out of the foster care system has felt like the right and moral thing to do with my life’s work.
Our choice to specifically focus on LGBTQ youth is the response to an overwhelming need, for a group of people who literally reside in the cracks of our city, neither recognized nor acknowledged, they are invisible to many. They are the most vulnerable among their peers.
When did you realize there was a need in the LGBT community for the Foyer project?
In 2007 when we were working on the business plan our research uncovered this population and after meeting with several LGBTQ community leaders it became obvious that was a direction this Foyer needed to move in.
You have LGBT youth involved as board members and ancillary staff, will this trend continue?
Yes, we feel strongly that in order for this Foyer to be successful (a place that these young people want to live in a community that they want to be a part of) LGBTQ youth need to engage in the discussion, and we need to listen.
This event is an unveiling of your three-year project for the Foyer, you have accomplished so much already, where do you hope to be in three years?
The Board of Directors has spent the last three years researching options to open a Foyer (housing program). It has not been easy. There were times that we felt everywhere we turned the doors were being shut. After meeting with Project Home and receiving their support for this project we felt confident that we are on the right path.
In the next three years we aim to raise $100,200, which will cover the first year of the Foyer operating expenses. 6% will be in-kind donation, 30% will be grants and foundations and 60% will be through fund raising.
The success of Foyer will depend largely on our ability to partner with existing organizations to provide comprehensive wraparound services.
How can people who want to be involved help?
Participate in fund raising, make a donation, volunteer, become a sponsor, for more information visit our website at www.foyerofphiladelphia.org.
