United Way’s Women in Philanthropy collected 253 towel sets, 48 pieces of luggage and hundreds of toiletries last week for Sacramento County foster youth preparing to emancipate from the system and live on their own for the first time.
“I’ll never forget hearing an emancipated foster youth talk about drying herself off with her clothes because she didn’t have a towel,” said Lorrie Wilson, co-chair of United Way’s Women in Philanthropy. “And many foster youth leave their foster homes carrying their clothes in a garbage bag instead of a suitcase.”
The drive supported Sacramento County’s Foster Youth Emancipation Basket program, which receives the towels and toiletries. Luggage is given to foster youth in United Way’s financial stability initiative that is working to ensure more households in the region, including foster youth living on their own, are financially literate and able to save for the future. Through the initiative, foster youth take financial literacy courses and can earn funds toward matched savings accounts.
“These towels, luggage and toiletries are a concrete way that we can address these kids’ immediate needs, but it’s critical that we also prepare them for the future,” said Ruth Miller, co-chair, United Way’s Women in Philanthropy. “United Way and its partners are making a collective impact on these kids’ lives by helping them save money, learn how to use their resources wisely and make decisions that will set them on track for the rest of their lives.”
United Way’s Women in Philanthropy brings local women together to help local foster youth across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties. A dynamic group of businesswomen, homemakers and community leaders, Women in Philanthropy members are first responders in repairing the financial stability of local foster youth by raising funds for United Way to provide financial literacy courses and matched savings accounts designed specifically for foster youth. Members also hold drives and provide trainings. Women in Philanthropy is part of United Way’s team of nonprofits, businesses, donors, volunteers and community leaders working to meet the community’s greatest needs, give immediate aid and find lasting solutions for future generations in the areas of education, financial stability and health. To become a member, visit www.yourlocalunitedway.org/wip.