Transcribed Interview

Calli: What exactly is Forward Paths?

Denise: Forward Paths is a non-profit organization that focuses on our community's homeless youths and those who are aging out of foster care. We believe together we can create a path that leads to independence.

Calli: When did you first decide that you were going to create this organization?

Denise: The end of 2012. We just had our 5th anniversary. I filed the paper work to incorporate on Jan. 22, 2013

Calli: Why did you first decide to create this organization?

Denise: I had a friend/guardian ad litem that suggested that we do something to bring attention to what it was like for kids that aged out of foster care. I thought about it for a year and then got mad at how one of the youth that I presented was treated when she went to sign up for the GED. That was the tipping point.

Calli: Who was your biggest support when you first began this project?

Denise: My friends and family were really my biggest supporters but when I researched it and spoke with other lead agencies they all agreed that it was an underserved population. I still have my son and 2 friends with me on the board. It’s been 5 years.

Calli: How many youths are currently in the program?

Denise: Just over 40.

Calli: How many of them have children?

Denise:15, 1 is pregnant, 1 is helping to raise her 5 yr. old sister.

Calli: Out of all of the youth in the program how many of them are now in school or have a job?

Denise: All of them are currently in school or have a job. Most of them are doing both. We push them to do both. It’s hardest on our single parents because of the lack of night time daycare but they are strongly encouraged to do both.

Calli: What has been the greatest challenge of maintaining Forward Paths?

Denise: The lack of housing has been our main challenge but transportation and staff both run a close second. Running an organization on a shoe string budget is never easy.

Calli: Since Forward Paths is a nonprofit organization, what event brings in the most donations? Denise: Our community luncheon brings in the most money. We are not big into fundraisers because they take time and money. Our directors put on the luncheon and it is free to the community. It has brought in about $8000 each year.

Calli: What are the main things the children need when entering into the program?

Denise: The majority of our youth need everything when they come to us. Most of them have nothing. Most of them have never had a job, are behind in school, lack connections in the community. Most of them come to us lacking paperwork such as ID’s, insurance (Medicaid and foodstamps) even if they have just aged out. They lack clothing, a place to live, and transportation, too. If they have any family most of them are very indigent.

Calli: What does Forward Paths provide that is different from government help for foster care or homeless youth?

Denise: I think the difference between Forward Paths and government is that Forward Paths was formed by people who wanted to make a difference in these kids lives. Since we are not bound by government rules we can be more creative with the solutions too.

Calli: What is the most common thing people need help with when entering into Forward Paths? Denise: Housing is first. Without a place to live, nothing happens. The second thing is someone who cares. If you have those 2 things then things seem to fall into place.