Yadira MartinezPatricia Aguilera

Alexis Serrano-DawkinsAkilah Kirkland

AGING OUT POPULATION “Aging out” refers to the process of youth reaching the

age of 18 and leaving the foster care system. They are young men and women who entered the foster

care system, were never adopted and have reached the age of 18.

When they reach the age of 18 they are “adults” and must fend for themselves.

Where does that leave them? With no families, friends, support system, and with money they

haven’t been taught to use wisely.

When the youth age out most of them usually end up returning to unhealthy environments.

These young men and women lack basic skills: Such as money management, making positive choices,

sexual education, applying for college, maintaining a job, applying for a job, going to the doctor for check up, buying a car, paying for bills, finding and maintaining a place to live.

HISTORY

 Mission: To help young women transition successfully from

foster care to independent living. Non-profit organization 2004

Established 2006

Opened February 2008

Casa Valentina launched their fundraiser Walk A Mile In Her Shoes campaign. Is a way to have the community and fundraiser become

aware of the issue and how it affects these men and women.

2011 Services for young mothers as well as young men.

SERVICES

Casa Valentina services are:  Safe and Affordable Housing:

Finding housing for transitioning youth is difficult. Casa Valentina offers them a monthly rent of $320 all utilities included. The apartments are fully furnished, single rooms or double rooms. They reside for one to three years based on their needs.

Life Skills: Transitioning youth have a difficult time learning basic skills, due to

not having consistent housing or families, therefore Casa Valentina focuses on teaching these young women skills such as: Cooking, cleaning, how to find employment, banking, personal health, relationships and self-esteem.

Environment of Support: Finding positive role models to keep these women motivated and in

the right track is very important in order for them to learn to stay focused and independent. Casa Valentina offers mentors in almost all fields. They offer: education mentors, tutors, job coaches and other positive adult role models.

AGING OUT

FACTS

According to Our Kids, more than 130 girls age out of foster care each year in Miami-Dade County

According to Casa Valentina  50% will drop out of school Only 25% will still be enrolled in school Only 2% will have earned a 2-year-degree 62% will be unemployed 12-18 months after aging out 50% will be unemployed at age 21 Their median yearly income will be $5,450 25-33% will become homeless within three years 60-70% will have a child by the age of 21 30% will be arrested between the ages of 18-21

CONTACT INFORMATION

www.casavalentina.org

2990 SW 35th AvenueMiami, FL 33133Tel: 305-444-0740Fax: 305-442-4181

info@casavalentina.org

 Emanna Louis, MA

Program Manager

2990 SW 35TH Ave

Miami, FL 33133

Tel: 786.253.6268

Fax: 305.675.2807

elouis@casavalentina.org

Contact:Email: info@casavalentina.org

Call: 305-444-0740

Donate:www.casavalentina.org/donation.html

Gift Cards: Purchase and donate Gift Cards from local stores for the youth to use.

Shop:BDazzledJewels.com

A % of items sold goes towards Casa Valentina, apparel, jewelry and accessories.

Sponsor:Sponsor or organize an event or fundraising project to raise money for Casa Valentina.

Volunteer:

How you can help

OUR VIDEO

Thank you

http://

youtu.be/9uMelsMo3oo