Our History

Young Adult Community Development is a mentoring program for youth aging out of the child welfare system (i.e. foster and kinship care) ages 16 through 24. YACD was developed, designed and driven by foster care alumni in 2000. It is our goal to use our experiences and expertise to make a positive difference in the lives of young people involved with the child welfare system. Our efforts have included advocating for current and former foster children, publicizing the challenges that they face and addressing their developmental and emotional needs through workshops. In January 2002 YACD became incorporated by the State of Ohio and is recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) 3 charity. In the spring of 2002 six foster care alumni and our allies came together and developed a board and began to work on non-profit and board development. The Executive Board is made up of four persons: President Dr. Richard Mague, Vice President Gayle Loyola, Treasure Ronald Smith, and Secretary Rene Cole. During this same year Gayle Loyola completed the Ohio CDC Basic skills to Affordable Housing and completed Beyond Basic Skills: Project Development in 2005. In June of 2003 we partnered with the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless and hosted our first event titled “Homeless Youth Awareness Day”. In 2004 YACD held a community form titled “Aging Out.” At this event YACD previewed a new documentary titled “Aging Out” by Roger Weisberg and Vanessa Roth, chronicles the daunting obstacles that veterans’ of foster care encounter as they are forced to fend for themselves. In 2005 was selected by the University of Washington to pilot a national program titled “Walk a Mile.” Walk a Mile is an educational opportunity for youth and policy makers. For 30 days foster care youth and policy makers walk in each others shoes.

 

 

Although youth in out of home care paths may vary greatly, all young people need to arrive at the same place: ready to work or take advantage of college–level education with the skills they need to participate fully in the workplace, become parents or assume family responsibilities, and participate in the civic life of their communities. Further, they need opportunities and support systems in place. Unfortunately, our society has no coherent social or public policy approach to support young people as they negotiate these transitions — and many vulnerable youth are not given the chance to do so successfully. Our vision is of a society dedicated to providing young people with the skills, supports, and opportunities to transition into meaningful and productive adult lives.