Surrey non-profit group hopes to ease transition to adulthood for foster kids

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SURREY (NEWS1130) – Foster kids moving out on their own for the first time face incredible odds, especially if they haven’t had anyone to prepare them for independent living.

A non-profit organization based in Surrey aims to make the transition less traumatic.

SOS Children’s Village BC consists of five homes for foster families. The organization is now finishing the basement suites in order for young adults to try living independently in a supportive environment.

SOS’s William Brennan says many former foster kids lack life skills. “Some of them don’t even know basic nutrition, things like that. Like when you’re renting a place — what your rights are and that sort of thing.”

He tells us teens that grew up in the foster care system are rarely prepared to live on their own. “Oftentimes, they end up on the streets or going from couch to couch. What this would do is provide them with a stable place to transition properly into adulthood, where they can get support.”

The tenants will get coaching on such things as money management and self-care while living in the units. SOS is looking to raise a $250,000 to build the suites.

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