I was privileged to spend some time at the 4th Conclave of the Nsoro Educational Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia last week. Lakeside is their trauma partner as we have provided trauma training to some members of their organization this past year.
Founded in 2005, The Nsoro Educational Foundation believes not one young person aging out of our nation’s foster care system should have to navigate the world alone.
Their mission provides the access to and attainment of post-secondary education through a holistic scholarship that shepherds youth to and through college, optimally positioning these graduates for an equitable transition into adulthood.
As I wrote in my last blog, we recognize that the research shows that foster children typically are exposed to a significant amount of adversity and trauma during their years in the foster care system. As they transition into early adulthood and transition out of the foster care system, there is often a lack of support for their basic needs. Typically there is not much help available for their journey through college life where they could have the capacity to acquire their dreams.
I had the privilege of listening to some of the scholars that Nsoro’s staff, volunteers and programs were able to provide in tangible support through tuition funding, housing, mentoring, coaching and so much more. I was so impressed by the degree of holistic care that the speakers shared and the impact that it had in such a personal way. This is just not the case in many parts of our country and is so needed by these incredible individuals who need a chance to find opportunities to grow into their own life pursuits.
It is always such an encouragement to see quality organizations with amazing partners who are having a positive impact in so many lives. I congratulate Monica Pantoja, the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and partners of Nsoro for their valuable work in so many lives who have benefited from their mission and efforts. Their work and efforts represent an important niche being filled that remains a major gap in our country. Nsoro has certainly developed a model for other organizations to follow.
I felt privileged to also get to speak about the significance of bringing trauma training to those who are working with these scholars. It is so important for this population to have trauma-informed professionals who are able to understand the impact of trauma to their lives. They are courageously attempting to break the negative legacies of lives and entering into a new dynamic of hope.
This is where becoming empowered by trauma information and skills can help organizations create momentum that leads to a greater healing of their clients. We at Lakeside are committed to partnering with such quality organizations like Nsoro Educational Foundation as we strive to bring more and more individuals into new opportunities to meet their needs. It is where help can evolve into healing as we work together for a better world.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
