In Decatur, a town known for its community-centric approach to social issues, a new vista of hope emerges for those young adults caught in the liminal space between youth and adulthood upon aging out of foster care. As reported by FOX 5 Atlanta, The Oaks on East Lake Drive is slated to open its doors today, ready to welcome 29 former foster children into its newly renovated apartments. These apartments, split amidst three buildings, will offer the stability of a private bedroom, with the shared amenities of kitchens and bathrooms—replicating a communal living environment.
This initiative by Wellroot Family Service addresses a grim reality for youths in transition: "Seven hundred kids age out each year, and when they choose to check themselves out of the child welfare system, they're really on their own," Lee Ann Else, vice president of external relations for Wellroot Family Service, told FOX 5 Atlanta. Else noted, the common hardships they face include homelessness, and, in some instances, trafficking. The community-driven project backed by federal funding aims to alleviate such adversities by embedding round-the-clock staff to assist with practical life skills, from resume writing to navigating job interviews.
Shifting focus over to DeKalb County, Wellroot Family Services has also set its sights on the Oakhurst neighborhood, where a similar housing project will soon welcome around a dozen young adults. As per 11Alive News, these homes are a lifeline to those exiting the foster care system. Allison Ashe, president and CEO of Wellroot, emphasized the enhanced risk for such youths to encounter homelessness, incarceration, and teen pregnancy, compared to their peers supported by biological families.
"If the state doesn't provide the resources for those types of programs, then young people sort of fall off a cliff once they turn 18 years old," Ashe explained, discussing the looming financial challenges faced by the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), as noted by 11Alive News. Wellroot is standing in the gap, offering safe housing and programs that include budgeting and homemaking skills to mental health counseling. The state, according to Ashe, covers approximately "60% to 70%" of Wellroot's expenses, with the remainder falling upon the generosity of the community and relief coming from the Fostering Success Act, which allows Georgia taxpayers to direct part of their tax liability to support those emerging from foster care. This support network is designed to help young people transition into adulthood with strong community backing, focusing on growth and stability, not just survival.
