_ 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.johnsonfdn.org/AudioVis_recordings/Horses'MouthII_OneForJustice.html)



Board of Directors

OPPORTUNITIES-PA Board of Directors was assembled in November 2008 of diverse professionals with expertise in multiple disciples; including real estate, program development, city governance regulations and statues, community development, and fundraising.


Michael Anderson, MA, MS, PMP, MCSE
BCA Properties, LLC

Wayne Barnett
Greystone Capital Advisors

Carrie Brandon, MS
Project YES Youth Build

Derese Fisher, MBA, SPHR                                  
Human Resource Consultant

Tarisse Iriarte
Millennium Consulting

Kym Oglesby
Raveena Media Group

Kristina Patterson, MHA
Penn Medicine

Desiree Stafford
Real Estate Investment

Brandon Stokes
Youth Advocate

Kerby Vincent, MA
Monmouth University