Founded in December, 2005, we received our 501(c)3 designation as a non-profit charitable organization from the IRS on December 15, 2006. 

Purpose

Get-A-Life, Inc. will provide housing, training, jobs, support  services, and mentors for at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Stark County, Ohio.  Young adults, age 16 - 24 who would otherwise be homeless, will be referred to the agency from the Multi-County Juvenile Attention Center (non-violent offenders only), from the Department of Jobs and Family Services, from Family Court, and from other social service agencies in the community.  A comprehensive and progressive program of services will ease the transition from youth to adult for those whose families are unwilling or unable to support them through this important developmental experience.  By supplying clients with some of their basic needs, yet at the same time requiring responsible stewardship, Get-A-Life, Inc. seeks to enable troubled youths to transform themselves into productive, contributing adult members of society.

On an annual basis, Stark County releases approximately sixty 18-year olds from foster care and over 900 youth aged 16 and above from the juvenile attention facility when they reach the age of 18. 

Although no follow along studies have been done with these local youth, nationwide statistics chronicle the grim outcomes of youth from disadvantaged circumstances:

 

o      More than one third have no high school diploma or GED.

o     Nearly half of the women are pregnant by age 19.

o      Less than half are able to open a checking or savings account.

o      Many are at high risk for becoming domestic violence victims or abusers themselves, perpetuating the cycle of need.

o      As many as 60% of homeless people have a foster care history.

o      25 - 30% of male former foster children end up incarcerated.

o      In some areas, youth offender recidivism rates are as high as 90%.

o     Over 65% of youthful offenders have substance abuse issues.

Funding
Funding will be via grants and community fundraisers.  In addition, Get-A-Life, Inc. will seek to move toward self-sufficiency by operating a retail store, via Internet, selling food, gift baskets, and craft items made by clients.  This will provide job skills training and employment for the clients, and the profits will be utilized to offset operational expenses.


Our board of directors:

Beth Philley, board chair
Foster & adoptive parent for 10 years.  CEO of ProBizAssoc.com and ThinYourWay.com.
            
Connie Weidleman, treasurer    
Parent.  Administrative assistant for a major utility.           
                  
Debbie Young, secretary
Foster & adoptive parent for 10 years.  Stay-at-home mom.