Unwavering belief, advocacy, and a willingness to take a risk on behalf of another human being changes stories.
Dream Come True
WayPoint Youth Foundation is officially a non-profit organization! (Not sure how to use emojis in WP, but picture big smiles and a celebration!) This has been a dream in the making ever since I attended an Independent Living conference for youth aging out of foster care several years ago.
One particular teenage boy changed the direction of my life story that day as he stood before me, shaking from head to toe, asking me to help change his life story. There is nothing quite so profoundly life altering as looking into the face of a desperate teen and knowing you have NO IDEA how to help. He had a dream he asked me to help him fulfill that day, and that was the day I started down this crazy life altering path to figure out how I can help and what will actually make a difference in the lives of youth and young adults from hard places.
Yes, you guessed it . . .
Academic Life Coaching
Why are we (my team and I) convinced the Academic Life Coaching program will make a difference when so many other programs or approaches have failed to change outcomes?
Youth have opportunity to take ownership of what has possibly never before been within their control growing up in the system; their own lives and future.
The most powerful thing in the life of a youth or young adult is what comes from them. The things they hear themselves say as they are processing the present and the future. When they are in the driver’s seat, so to speak, on:
- Who they want to be
- The meaning they want to give to their life experiences
- What they want to do with their future
The door is open for the story they tell themselves about themselves to change in amazingly positive and empowering ways. Ways that will help them gain the confidence and motivation they need to follow through to get where they want to go, and create the life they want to live.
Students
“When you write the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.”
We are firm believers in the truth that the past does not determine the future. YOU determine your future and you have AMAZING potential.
We are here to help you get where you really want to go.
Story Changers
We know we aren’t alone in wanting to help youth and young adults change their stories. In fact if you are reading this, chances are good that making a difference matters a lot to you. Here are a few quick ways to see if you are a Story Changer:
- You are ready to advocate vigorously and unwaveringly on behalf of at-risk youth and young adults, foster teens, emancipated youth and orphans.
- You unwaveringly believe in the value and potential of those from hard places. You KNOW their past does not need to determine their future.
- You are willing to take risks of time, talent, and finances to make a difference in a life.
Our desire is to build a national network of Story Changers. If you would like to learn more or join the network, please contact me at contact@waypointyouthfoundation.org
PS We are working hard on our website. It should be up by the end of the 2nd or 3rd week in June! (Picture more emojis with big smiles!)
Thanks for checking out my blog! I am an ICF certified Academic Life Coach and train youth advocates in the Academic Life Coaching 1.0 coach training program. I’m also an adoptive mom, youth advocate, and a licensed therapeutic foster parent. For more information about this program for the student in your life or on how to train as a coach, please contact me here.
Wow.. congratulations on achieving the non-profit status. I am sure it was a process but like you noted, it is a life changing story/journey and thus well worth it. This is great news!
It has been a process for sure! We got our letter of determination today. Woohoo!!
Congratulations on your achievement! I don’t have children, but I was once a teen and know what a difference it would have made to have a mentor or life coach in my life. My parents were/are incredible people, so I lucked out. But there are many kids without role models, and I can’t imagine what that must be like. You serve your community well, and I’m happy for you!
It is an exciting step! Thanks for your kind words, Meghan. 🙂
Congratulations! What a wonderful thing to do! I also work with at-risk youth through a non-profit where I serve on the board, and it is so meaningful. May you experience much joy and change many lives for the better!
Thanks, Jennifer. I would love to hear more about what you do through your non-profit. I love connecting with others who are or want to make a difference!
Congrats on the official non-profit status. Thanks for sharing some of your story as well. What are the ages of your children?
Thanks, Catherine! My kids are 11 and 14. The youth and young adults we will be working with through the nonprofit are between the ages of 16-26.
Many years ago a teacher stood for me. I was the first female my foster agency allowed to go to college. We never know in what way someone touches our lives & the difference it can make.
I love y our story, Roslyn. Sometimes it really does just take that one person standing up for another to make a difference!
Such great news, Brenda, and what a fantastic service you are providing to young people. It’s people like you and your team who will have a long-term impact on people’s lives…and at the stage of their lives when they need the support and guidance the most. Big hugs!
Thanks, Jackie! I really appreciate the encouragement.
I just love your statement “when you write the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.” So powerful for everyone..but especially for our youth. They are poised to create amazing lives for themselves; in the process help enhance our world.
So true, Alene! Youth are poised to create amazing lives that can then make a difference in the lives of others. I love that cycle!
What amazing work you are doing! Congrats on your non-profit status! I love the term “story changers” – very powerful!
Thanks, Mindy! It’s great to hear “story changers” resonates. 🙂
Congratulations on becoming a non-profit. I agree with your mission to let kids express themselves. I do that with my son and some of his ideas are so simple yet brilliant. I find also it takes away the stress of forcing your dreams on your child.
I definitely want to change youth lives in Haiti and that’s something I look forward to launching next year.
When you are ready to move forward in Haiti, I’d love to hear about it!
I’m trying this a 2nd time:-) What a wonderful cause you support, Brenda. You certainly have integrated this into all areas of your life. “When you write the story of your life, don’t let anyone else hold the pen.” I LOVE this quote from your article and if we all followed this advice, we wouldn’t allow other limitations dictate what we can and can’t do. Congrats!
Thanks, Tandy! I love the quote as well and can see how it can be healing and freeing for those who take it to heart. 🙂