Research shows children in foster care in Oregon have worse education outcomes than other at-risk youth, including homeless youth. This program provides additional support and advocacy to foster care students by addressing their unique needs and aspirations, ensuring they have the best chance of success in school and for their future.
The primary objective of the Academic Empowerment Program is to enhance the academic success of foster care students. Our mission is to elevate graduation rates, reduce the risk of incarceration and homelessness, and foster a brighter future for these resilient children.
Academic Empowerment Program
Family Finding
Family Finding is a compassionate endeavor that diligently seeks out relatives and other nurturing adults ready to step in and offer a lifeline to children and youth in foster care.
This initiative goes beyond merely securing a physical dwelling for these young individuals; it's about forging enduring, affectionate bonds for those who crave stability in their lives. It's about constructing an emotional bulwark with those who, although unable to provide a home, are eager to maintain a meaningful connection and play an active role in the child's life.
Fostering Futures
Fostering Futures is a dedicated initiative aimed at empowering youth transitioning out of foster care to ensure they have the necessary support to navigate towards a successful adulthood.
Our CASAs play a crucial role in the community, advising the youth on difficult decisions, opening doors, and providing a sense of belonging, even after the child’s case closes. We firmly believe that every young adult, regardless of their past, has the potential to achieve high school graduation, secure living wage employment, and lead a fulfilling life.
Under Fostering Futures, we provide specialized training to our CASA volunteers focused on:
promoting educational success
preparing youth for adulthood
increasing access to living wage employment and health services
Financial Resource Guide
As a part of the Leadership Eugene Springfield program, CASA of Lane County completed a group project focused on Youth Financial Literacy. Through research, they created a guide for youth, their parents, and community organizations to navigate the existing financial resources in our community.
Connected Lane County has graciously agreed to sustain this work into the future. The guide will be hosted by many youth-serving organizations, including CASA of Lane County.