The votes are in!
Faith Bridge has
been named the
2023 Non-Profit of the Year by the Moberly Area
Chamber of Commerce!
Carry On Market
Teen / Young Adult Free Store
Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11-330
Through the Carry On Program, our teen/young adult store serves older foster youth and former foster youth who have aged-out or otherwise transitioned out of the foster care system. The goal of Carry On is to provide these youth with tangible goods and tools to help them become successful, contributing members of the community. We provide furniture, bedding, kitchen and bath essentials, small appliances, cleaning and laundry supplies, basic tools, hygiene and first aid items, home décor, clothing, shoes, and career wear at absolutely NO COST! On average, each client receives approximately $4500 in items for their new apartment. This serves to alleviate the initial cost of independence for former foster youth and gives them the freedom to begin adulthood with the things they need. Through our Co-Pilot mentorship program, youth are able to build a strong and safe relationship with a mentor to help guide them through the challenges and successes of independent living. We also offer HiSET Scholarships for those who would like to earn their GED, and enrollment/scholarship assistance for those who would like to attain higher education or trade/tech school. The teen/young adult store is located at 504 W Reed Street and is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10-230.
Our fabulous volunteers and partners work with youth to secure safe and permanent housing, receive their GED, apply for college or trade school, build interview and job skills, find employment, navigate the healthcare system and community resources, and ensure they have a positive adult relationship.
We are forever grateful to those who continue to support this program - Edge Aviation, MacRak,
The Riedel Foundation, United Way of Randolph County, Boone Electric Community Trust,
MFA Oil Foundation, POET, Redeemer Church, and our many community partners. Thank you!
NG
After nearly eight months of couch-surfing and homelessness, NG was able to secure an apartment, find employment, and begin studying for his driver's permit. He is also in the process of attaining his GED! Faith Bridge was able to provide him with furniture, appliances, cleaning supplies, steel-toed boots for work, a new bicycle, and a laptop with internet hotspot. His Co-Pilot, Mike, continues to work alongside him and encourage his success.
BG, MK, and DT
BG, MK, and DT have been foster siblings for nearly three years. This past spring they all graduated from high school and plan to move into an apartment together. They came to Faith Bridge to shop for household items, coordinated bedding and decor, and outfits for their first day of college this summer! They also picked out furniture and small appliances for their new space, and received a laptop with internet hotspot for completing college assignments and job applications.
MW
During a brief stay in a juvenile detention center, MW decided he wanted to make a better life for himself. After finding an apartment and a job, his JO brought him to Faith Bridge, where he was able to receive everything he needed for his new place. MW shopped in the free store for work jeans, hoodies, t shirts, new socks and underwear, shoes, and hygiene items, and was even able to find new earbuds and a wallet (his had been stolen in the detention center).
CD
Two weeks before Christmas we got a call from a caseworker in Atlanta, Georgia. One of the youth on her caseload had just aged-out of care and had moved to central Missouri. We were able to connect with CD and help her find resources in her area - including a pet-friendly apartment, employment, and a reliable vehicle. She sent a photo of her new apartment and was thrilled that she was able to find decor and furnishings at Faith Bridge that fit her style and personality.
