Packing for a Fresh Start

When American teenagers in foster care turn 18 years old, they are expected to move out of their foster homes and start their lives on their own. That’s approximately 24,000 teenagers every year who find themselves in need of jobs, a place to live, and a means of transportation to survive. It’s a tenuous time, with statistics showing that more than 25% of former foster children become homeless within two to four years of leaving the system.

Bonney Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Air knows how important it is for youth to have the tools they need to start a successful life on their own. This week, they partnered with the Assistance League of Sacramento to put together starter kits which include cleaning and home essentials in addition to donating vacuums, as well as mops and brooms, to the organization’s Fresh Start program for foster youth transitioning to independent living. These kits allow them to be set up for success when they move into their new apartments.

“It’s important for local businesses to support the community..It makes employees feel good; it creates great morale and our entire team loves doing it.” said Candace Bonney, Founder of Bonney Plumbing, Electrical, Heating and Air.

The Fresh Start program provides home goods, cleaning supplies, clothing and other essentials to help young people set up a basic household on their own. The program also assists women who are victims of sex-trafficking. For many youth household items – particularly vacuums — are some of the most expensive products needed to set up a home. This program is a critical bridge for former foster youth working to finish their education, develop a career path, and gain sufficient life skills to transition to total independence.

The Sacramento area has a lot of non-profit organizations dedicated to many different ways of helping people in need and the Assistance League is a great partner for Bonney.

“It’s tough to decide who a business is going to support. We love ALS because it’s essentially a 100% volunteer and every dollar we give goes to people in need,” Bonney said.

For more information on the Fresh Start program, visit the Assistance League website and for more on ways Bonney helps community organizations throughout the year, follow them on their social media channels.