Developing innovative partnerships to address the crises teenagers face as they age out of foster care.
The Crises
Approximately 23,000 children will age out of foster care each year. National studies have shown that within two to four years of leaving foster care at the age of 18:
20% will become instantly homeless.
25% won't graduate from high school.
70% of young women will become pregnant.
60% of young men will be convicted of a crime.
50% will develop a substance dependence
Solutions Through Community Partnerships
Coordination between service providers and supporters is essential in order to bring a team effort to assist these young men and women to reach their full potential. Each provider has a specific area of expertise, but the power is when a team of providers work together to create an all-encompassing solution to the crises teens face when aging out of the system.​
For those who age out of foster care, finding housing is the most immediate challenge. Without stable housing it is difficult if not impossible to take advantage of available education, employment and health care resources. While some rent assistance is available, there is a very limited supply of housing. Tens of thousands of housing units are needed nationwide Creating additional housing is the backbone of the Wings of Grace partnership initiative.
Seminary Covenant
Community
Wings of Grace has years of experience providing affordable housing and is now focusing on developing apartment communities specifically for youth aging out of foster care. Another area of ministry is mentoring young teens in aviation and music, giving them the tools to be self-sufficient in adulthood.
WAYS for Life, formerly known as Ready for Life Brevard, is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and drop-in center for youth ages 15-25 in Brevard County, Florida. We provide Wraparound Youth Services (WAYS) to help teens and young adults avoid homelessness and crime. We assist youth in removing barriers to their success by utilizing lifeline support networks.
The Housing Authority of Brevard County administers the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) initiative to distribute Housing Choice Vouchers in Brevard County. HABC also has a wealth of experience in developing and administering affordable housing projects.
Florida Community Loan Fund serves the 3rd most populated state in the U.S. by providing flexible financing and staff expertise to help projects succeed and help organizations improve lives and low-income communities.
Christ Flight Ministries has opened two Wings of Grace Teen Flight programs in Georgia, developed a regional aircraft maintenance and training facility in Brunswick, Georgia and is our international mission partner. They have been instrumental in rehabbing our Freeport, Grand Bahama mission home and opening a Teen Flight program with Life Community Church in Freeport. Christ Flight will be a major partner in expanding our affordable housing program in southeast, Georgia.
Seminary Covenant Community was founded in 1976 with a mission to to equip and empower individuals and ministries to fulfill their God-given call and purpose so that they can emerge in their local community and fulfill the Commandments of Jesus Christ found in Acts 2:36-47, Matthew 22:37-39, Matthew 28:18-20.Wings of Gace will be developing their Merritt Island facility into a housing and resource center for children aging out of foster care.
Plan of Action
Housing:
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Vacancies of Wings of Grace existing housing inventory are set aside for aging out youth. (Five youth are currently housed as of January, 2024.)
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New units are always under construction. Capernaum Place will provide 24 one-bedroom units in Melbourne, Florida. Completion expected in the fall of 2024.
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Maintain an inventory of land that is ready for construction of the next project.
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Perpetually seek out new land or existing housing opportunities.
Mentoring:
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Assist youth aging out to take advantage of available programs and opportunities.
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Provide tutoring for high school and/or college graduation including General Education Diploma.
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Teach life skills such as budgeting and work readiness skills.
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Begin mentoring foster children in early teens to prevent homelessness at adulthood.
Partnerships:
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Develop partnerships with non-profits, churches, businesses and individuals with the goal of empowering foster care youth to achieve their full potential.
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Centurion Partners. Open to high net-worth individuals, businesses and foundations. A funding partnership with a goal of building housing units as quickly as possible. Investment is paid back with interest.
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Freedom Partners. Freedom Partner donations are used to retire construction debt so that all cash flow is used to provide services to youth aging out of foster care.
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How can we partner with you? Please contact us to discuss how we can work together to change the lives of these young men and women.
Building Projects
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Capernaum Place
"A place where the light has dawned"
-Matthew 4:13-16
First housing project in Brevard County for children aging out of the foster-care system
Housing for Children aging out of Foster Care
24 Apartments in Melbourne, Florida
A partnership between Wings of Grace Ministries, Inc., WAYS for Life, Inc. and the Housing Authority of Brevard
Land Clearing has begun! (Jan, 2024)
Capernaum Place - Phase II
Land has been acquired to build Capernaum Place—Phase II across the street from Capernaum Place. This parcel is adjacent to the Wings of Grace Ministries Mission Home where the residents from both phases will be able to congregate, share meals and receive training. Phase II will commence after Phase I is underway with an expected completion date in the summer of 2024. Approximately 20 units will be constructed. Both properties are close to our partner resource centers, bus lines and entry-level employment opportunities.
Tapestry Village
Tapestry Village will offer housing and an on-site resource center on Merritt Island, Florida. The facility will serve youth aging out of foster care in the central Brevard county area. Our plan is to build 30 housing units on the property. This unique parcel is nearly 3 acres in size located near a booming retail corridor. The existing church facility will be used as an on-site training and resource center for the residents.
In addition to the housing and services that will be provided to the residents, this development will be show the power of partnerships in action. Ways for Life, Inc. will expand their youth wrap-around services to another area; Seminary Covenant Community will fully utilize the property and it’s spiritual training curriculum; local churches will adopt a resident for individual support; businesses will offer employment opportunities; and, all who have a heart for foster youth can serve.
Partnership Commitments
Become a Freedom Partner!
Freedom Partner donations are used to retire construction debt or to fund new building projects debt free so that all cash flow is used to provide services to youth aging out of foster care. Please consider helping us provide homes for these young men and women. A recurring monthly donation will be a huge blessing!
Capernaum Partners!
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Centurion Partners. Open to high net-worth individuals, businesses and foundations. A funding partnership with a goal of building housing units as quickly as possible. Investment is secured by a mortgage and is paid back with interest. For more information on becoming a Capernaum Partner please contact Dwight Bell at Wings of Grace Ministries, Inc., email: dwight@wingsofgraceministries.org.
Donations of Other Valuables
Wings of Grace Ministries can accept stocks and bonds, real estate, vehicles, airplanes, boats and other items designated to build housing units for youth aging out of foster care.
Partnerships with Subcontractors and Suppliers
Wings of Grace is seeking partnerships with subcontractors and suppliers to build these housing units below retail cost. Please contact Dwight Bell at Wings of Grace Ministries, Inc., email: dwight@wingsofgraceministries.org.
Your support will bring prosperity to many young men and women. Thank You!
Wings of Grace Ministries, Inc.
444 Grove Lane, Suite 104
Melbourne, FL 32901
(321) 327-2164
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Wings of Grace is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Contact Us
Wings of Grace Ministries, Inc.
444 Grove Lane, Suite 104
Melbourne, FL 32901
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Phone (321) 288-7209
Fax (321) 821-1375
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Email: Office@wogm.life
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Wings of Grace Thrift & More
1276 Sarno Road
Melbourne, FL 32935