With the Kohl’s Cash and Rewards funds, Operation Foster Youth was able to purchase household items to furnish some of Kamali’i Foster Agency’s Transitional Housing units.  They have apartment units that house foster youth that have aged out of the system. These apartments provide safe, semi-independent housing and supportive services for up to two years for former foster youth ranging in age from 18 to 24.  Kamali’i offers them a furnished apartment which is shared with another program participant.  Kamali’i has requirements to be in their program, such as a no drug policy.  Participants must be working or attending school.  There are life coaches that hold weekly seminars that cover a variety of topics such as budgeting, how to cook on a budget, how to write a resume, and tools for managing their lives.

In October, Assistance League volunteers shopped at Kohl’s two times with Kamali’i social workers.  We purchased household items needed to furnish the apartments such as pots & pans, dishes, utensils, small appliances, vacuums, bedding, and bath towels, shower curtains and accessories.  We estimate were able to provide support for 670 foster youth over time.  Kamali’i staff is grateful for our support.

Kamali’i staff in the pictures are Sharah DeHay, Angelica Garcia, Elizabeth Herrera, Love Larimore, Conner Stephen and Tony Ayala.  Shoppers from Assistance League were Sally Custenborder, Diane Sitar and Annette Sheehy.