Eckerd Connects is committed to saving children from the generational cycle of failure due to abuse, neglect, and poverty. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) has identified adverse childhood experiences that contribute to the cycle:
Two or more of these adverse childhood experiences are reported by 38% of the population. Three or more are reported by 22% of the population.
According to the CDCP, as the number of adverse childhood experiences increases, the risk for these barriers to success increases strongly:
We see the reality of this every day in our child welfare work. So, how can we help the kids battered by these circumstances to succeed so that the cycle of abuse, neglect and poverty can be broken?
The Success Awards program helps children who are especially vulnerable to failure to get to the next stage in pursuing their dreams. Success Awards provide up to $5,000 for vocational and educational pursuits of financially needy youth between the ages of 12 and 24 who demonstrate a commitment to educational and career improvement.
This program helps youth who are or have participated in an Eckerd Connects’ program to pay for transitional needs for success as they become successful adults. This might include a suit for a job interview, a laptop for college, or even a used car to help in pursuing education or employment.
Darius and Kayla are examples of young adults who have left or will soon be leaving Eckerd Connects’ network of care and for whom Eckerd Connects and their sponsors have proposed a Success Award:
Darius’s Success Award Wish: Graduate High School and receive certification in Facility Maintenance. Proposed Success Award: $1,000 for laptop and clothing for job interviews
Darius is a motivated 16-year-old who successfully completed a Eckerd Connects’ residential program and is enrolled in the Home Builder’s Institute program to receive certification in Facility Maintenance. He needs a laptop for his schoolwork and a suit for job interviews.
Kayla’s Success Award Wish: Obtain a degree as a Social Worker. Proposed Success Award: $5,000 for a used car
Kayla completed the Eckerd Connects’ community-based program and was able to properly care for her child while she graduated high school and became the valedictorian of her class. Kayla plans to go to college to become a Social Worker and needs reliable transportation to and from school and work.
Eckerd Connects expects to see the following outcomes for young adults receiving Success Awards:
Eckerd Connects has set a goal of providing $125,000 in Success Awards to fifty deserving young adults that they serve . The average Success Award is $2,500.
These young people are committed to education and employment, yet are still greatly at risk due to many hindrances in their lives. Through Eckerd Connects’ Success Awards solution, you can give a young person a chance to pursue their dream of success. Won’t you give generously to help them overcome the odds and live positive, productive lives? Your help is deeply appreciated.
