_ In any given year, there are approximately 500,000 children in foster care throughout the United States.  Of these, about 20,000 age out each year and are at risk for a variety of problems, including homelessness, un/under-employment, criminal activity, and a lack of education.

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About Us

Educate, Equip, Empower, Encourage

Mission Statement

OPPORTUNITIES-PA is a nonprofit organization that Educates, Equips, Empowers, and Encourages homeless and other at-risk youth to reach their academic potential and  professional goals by offering them supportive services and stable housing.                     

OPPORTUNITIES-PA provides life coaching, mentoring, career counseling, educational support, and housing assistance.


Creating OPPORTUNITIES-PA

OPPORTUNITIES-PA was founded in April 2008, by Justina Shaw to bridge the gap homeless youth experience transitioning from adolescence to adulthood.  Ms. Shaw identified a void locally and nationally in organizations providing supportive services to homeless adolescents ages 16-25.  Existing programs also lacked training to educate program participants on how to become self-sufficient. 


OPPORTUNITIES-PA provides supportive housing, life skills preparation, career counseling, and educational training to youth ages 18-25. Through mentorship, goal setting, and financial literacy training, OPPORTUNITIES-PA residents are equipped with the necessary skills to become self-sufficient adults.  
 

Check out Justina Shaw, OPPORTUNITIES-PA’ Co-Founder, in Action:

http://www.phillyawe.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24

http://www4.uwm.edu/news/stories/details.cfm?customel_datapageid_11602=60603)