|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carol
Reza
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carol
Reza
66
-
Whittier
,
CA
|
“With increased awareness of and support for emancipated foster youth, I believe these underserved, at-risk young adults will realize they are deserving of love and that they have valuable gifts to share with the world.”
A former orphan and foster child, Carol has dedicated her life to helping those who have been adversely affected by their time in the child welfare system. While counseling female inmates in Los Angeles County, Carol was struck by the effect their incarceration had on their children, many of whom ended up in foster care.
In 1995, Carol founded Bridge of Faith to provide families of incarcerated women with mentoring and social service referrals. She opened a secondhand retail store for fundraising and as a community resource for at-risk youth and court-ordered volunteers. By 2008 she had assembled a dynamic all-volunteer staff and opened three residential facilities (HOMEs) for emancipated foster young women.
Bridge of Faith residents struggle to survive in the post-foster care world. In California, the state with the largest foster population, about 4,355 foster youth “age out” each year. Four out of five foster children will fail to thrive as adults. About 25 percent will become homeless; only 54 percent will complete high school; a mere 38 percent will maintain employment for more than a year; and 60 percent will have children within four years of emancipation. Incarceration rates are also high.
Bridge of Faith provides emancipated young women with a home, rehabilitative services, a surrogate family and the opportunity to accomplish what was once thought impossible. As mentor, house mom, administrator and activist, Carol transforms the lives of homeless and troubled young women, helping them discover their purpose. She believes the way to stop something – whether it’s drug abuse, crime, or dropping out of school – is by breaking the cycle with the next generation.
More than 15 organizations, schools and government agencies refer their clients to Bridge of Faith, which has served more than 7,500 individuals since 1995. As a result, the community has experienced a reduction in incarceration, homelessness, welfare reliance and addiction for emancipated youth. The New York Times has praised Carol’s work, calling it a model for the nation. That’s why Carol is a 2009 Woman of Worth.
|
|
|
 |
"If I can help the young women who call Bridge of Faith her home, then I have been of use in this world."
Hear Carol discuss her work
|
|
|
|
|
ORGANIZATION
|
|
|
