Teen Reach is Changing the Statistics

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. A few days ago, I received the following update from a foster mom regarding one of our T.R.A.C.life mentees, a young man who continues to navigate his future after being abused and neglected as a child.

CJ is doing really well . . . one of the most encouraging changes has been his mindset. In the past, he would often talk about not having a future or not being good enough. Now he’s talking about plans, asking questions about what comes next, and even asking for things like his class ring and graduation items. That shift alone feels like a huge breakthrough for us. We are so proud of him and truly excited to see what the future holds.

Child abuse haunts victims long into their adulthood. Each year, more than 23,000 youth age out of the U.S. foster care system. For many who have experienced the trauma stemming from child abuse, the transition to adulthood is abrupt and overwhelming. Consider the realities they face:

• 20% will be homeless 

• Over 50% of women in human trafficking were in foster care as a youth

• 64% graduate high school

• Fewer than 3% get a college degree

• 50% will not have employment

• 25% of foster youth become involved with the criminal justice system within two years of leaving the system.

But God is moving in lives like CJ because of committed volunteers and donors like you!

Teen Reach is changing the statistics!