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Something happens here at HOPE Youth Ranch every summer…time flies!
Every summer all our girls turn 18. It’s part of an Independent Living Module covered at our year round on-campus school: HOPE Ranch Learning Academy. They are totally unaware of what awaits on an unsuspecting regular mundane Monday morning; but as soon as the doors to the classroom open they are in for a huge surprise party. Balloons, streamers, a cake and a present at each of their assigned desks.
Most teens, including those in foster care, will tell you they can't wait to be 18. The truth is many are very scared of the approaching birthday.
Awating them inside the beautifully wrapped box are a ton of bills - just like real life. During the next four weeks they will look for a job, rent an apartment, furnish their apartment, grocery shop, learn how to budget, keep a checking account, apply to college, seek financial aid, apply for a student loan, etc. By the end of the four weeks they will have a real life understanding of what it's really like to be 18.
We need speakers from all different vocational areas. Businessmen and women who will share their career experiences. Moms to speak about child care and clipping coupons. Dads to teach them to change a tire or the oil in their car. If you would like to volunteer to help a teen learn what it's like to be a grown up - call us.
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