Aspiranet, Ashley Furniture furnish four transition-aged foster youth in new apartments

Life-changing partnership expands to San Bernardino County

Most young adults have parents who support them through their transition into adulthood – whether its helping them open a checking account, applying for their first job, or driving them off to college with a car full of necessities. However, for many in foster care, the scenario can be quite different.

Aspiranet, one of the largest and most innovative non-profits supporting children and families across California, specializes in working with transition-age youth ages 18-21 in Southern California. Through Aspiranet’s Transitional Housing Placement Plus Foster Care (THP Plus FC) Program, transition-age youth are provided a safe living environment while teaching them life skills that help them become self-sufficient, as well as support for basic needs, emotional support, jobs and education.

To build the bridge between foster care and independence, Ashley Furniture, the world’s largest manufacturer of furniture, is continuing its partnership with Aspiranet by donating four furniture sets to former foster youth. Furniture items include bed sets, chests of drawers, sofas and coffee tables. In addition, Aspiranet community partner, Assistance League of the Foothill Communities, a non-profit dedicated to serving the unique needs and challenges in the community, will be on-hand to present the youth with soft good donations, such as bedding and towels. 

Aspiranet and Ashley Furniture will announce the donation on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m., at Ashley Furniture in Colton, California.

“As a provider of Transitional Age Youth Services, the funding we receive allows us to meet the basic needs of these former foster youth,” explains Jeannie Imelio, Executive Director for Aspiranet. “This donation allows us to provide enriched opportunities, and goes well beyond what the youth can even imagine for their first home. It helps to create a warm, safe, and well-equipped space for them to start their adult life.”

“I am excited to see our partnership with Aspiranet continue to grow and expand our support from Los Angeles County to San Bernardino County,” said John Santos, regional manager for Ashley Furniture. “We’re proud to partner with an organization who gives so much to deserving youth, and humbled that we can provide these necessities to help these inspiring young adults live comfortably while they focus on their educational and career goals.”

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:

Who: Aspiranet, Ashley Furniture, community partners, local dignitaries, transitional age youth

What:Ashley Furniture to host furniture donation to transitional age youth

When: Thursday, Oct. 27, at 11 a.m.

Where: Ashley Furniture, 855 Ashley Way, Colton, CA 92324

Interview opportunities: TAY youth recipients, and Aspiranet and Ashley Furniture representatives

About Aspiranet

Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) strengthens children, youth, families and communities through seven core programs including: Foster Care, Adoption, Residential, Transition Age Youth, Behavioral Health, Intensive Home Based Services and Family and Community Services throughout 45 locations within California.

Founded in 1975 as a six-bed group home for young boys in Moss Beach, Calif., Aspiranet is one of the most diverse nonprofit social service agencies in the state. With a statewide network of innovative services, Aspiranet serves more than 10,000 families each year. For more information, please visit www.aspiranet.org.