Connected by 25 Brevard is one of JLSB’s community partnering projects focused on the preparation of youth aging out of Florida’s foster care system to make a successful transition to adulthood.

Connected by 25 Brevard is a community initiative that engages youth, public/private partners and policy makers to improve outcomes for foster youth through investments in services and programs. Their mission is to ensure that foster care youth are educated, housed, banked, employed and connected to a support system by age 25.

In the first year of partnership, 2009-2010, the Junior League will planned and hosted a youth summit event for career exploration. The summit served over 50 local youths. Activities included presentations from area professionals, career planning, interviewing  skills and resume writing. JLSB also funded and coordinated the assembly of move-in kits for the young adults. The move-in kits include all the essentials to start a new home (dishes, towels, sheets, kitchen and bath items).

The second year of our partnering, 2010-2011, JLSB donated 20 $100 Wal-Mart gift cards to support young adults moving out of their foster homes and into independent living for the first time. These were used to buy essential household supplies. On April 10, 2011, the Junior League of South Brevard, Inc. in conjunction with Connected by 25 Brevard, hosted a sibling reunion event at the Brevard Zoo. Siblings were reunited from all over the county and enjoyed a family fun filled day with food, prizes, hats, bracelets, and of course lots of animals! The kids enjoyed spending the day with family, playing in the Paws-On Park, winning prizes, riding the train, and feeding parrots and giraffe.

Visit www.cby25brevard.org for more information.