Projects

· 1st Annual Charitable Benefit-  The vision for the benefit is to raise awareness for this unique homeless population of youth and forge partnerships with individuals and businesses that can collaborate to assist the participants in the programs.  The purpose of the benefit is to raise enough private funds to begin a fully functioning non-profit organization to provide all of the services for ages 18-25 in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

We are seeking  sponsors, volunteers, event space, vendors and dollars to assist with planning and execution of this first benefit to be held in September 2011.

· Volunteer Former Foster Care Adults-  If you are 30 years old and was a former foster care youth in MD or DC Child Welfare System, we are developing a roster of those willing to mentor our consumers and teach critical Life Skills/Social Skills that will enable them to become self-sufficient productive members of their community.

· Other Volunteers– If you are a job coach,  Registered Nurse, Certified Additions Counselor, Mental Health Counselor,  Parent Education Trainer, HS school teacher/guidance counselor, teach a musical instrument, or just want to volunteer in any capacity,  contact us.

· Employers– We are seeking employers that are willing to train/employ this population that may be hired for a permanent position with benefits.

· Property Managers/Owners– We are seeking landlords that are willing to rent to this population knowing that SYFS will continue to support these consumers while they reside in their properties.

Volunteering– Ways to help Now!

Sankofa Youth And Family Services

Revitalizing the strengths of our past to engage, heal, and inspire the lives of our youth and their families today!

Special Events “2010 Year in Review”

· DC Council Hearings Committee on Human Services  “Yes Youth Can: Confronting the Challenges of Aging Out”- January 22, 2010 SYFS Founder, Tawana Holland spoke about the challenges, needs and best practice for assisting youth who are becoming homeless at alarming rates after they emancipate from the child welfare system.  Mrs. Holland stated during the hearing, “Rebuilding a sense of self, trust and confidence in youth takes an altruistic professional that is patient, passionate and driven…. Practice approach that is most effective is the strength-based approach… the investment must be from the administrators to the direct service workers.”

· SYFS donates $150.00 to Thrive DC– Founder attended a breakfast benefit to support and assist homeless individuals with becoming self sufficient in the District of Columbia

· SYFS gave to Capitol Area Food Bank– SYFS participated in a Walk-a-Thon on October 2, 2010 at Pointer Ridge Elementary School and gave can goods to the Capitol Area Food Bank during this event.

· Call to the Mall: A Community Volunteer Fair– SYFS participated in this event as a vendor on September 25, 2010.  Founder, Tawana Holland spoke to the audience about the importance of volunteering and discussed the mission and vision for SYFS.  SYFS signed up several volunteers who were former foster care children that are willing to volunteer and give back to those in need.

· Turkey Distribution– SYFS gave out 5 turkey baskets on November 23, 2010 to young adults who aged out of the Child Welfare system.  Distribution was done in partnership with North Capitol Family Support Center.

· Christmas Family Sponsored– SYFS gave Christmas gifts to 1 teen mother who emancipated from the Child Welfare System on December 24, 2010

· Fox 5 Christmas Ornament– SYFS donated  a Sankofa Bird ornament to Fox 5 DC for their “Holiday Christmas Tree” program.  This years tree went to Sheppard's Cove organization of Capitol Heights, Maryland. Sheppard Cove provides services to homeless families  and individuals in the DC Metropolitan Area.