Imagine FOYER OF PHILADELPHIA

Opening doors for LGBTQ young people

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that nationally the number of homeless and runaway youth ranges from 575,000 to 1.6 million per year (Robertson, M.J. & Toor, PA 1998) according to the National Gay Lesbian Bisexual  Transgender Task Force between 20 percent and 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as Lesbian Gay Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT). 

Foyer of Philadelphia will fill the gap for LGBTQ young adults who are in need of housing.

By providing transitional housing and supportive services,  individuals in the program will move from a place of desperation and dependency to hope and autonomy as a result of being provided with stable housing, job training, meaningful education and work experience.

Services that will be provided by the Foyer

  • Supportive Housing:  subsidize affordable housing will provide for participants enrolled in the program.
  • Educational Services: all participant will work towards achieving an academic goal, such as obtaining their GED or completing vocational training.
  • Experiential Learning: Participants will gain work experience through employment opportunities provided at one of the businesses at FOP apparel or at a partnering company.
  • Supportive services: all participants involved in the program will be provided with case management services to address their psychosocial needs.
  •  Step Down Services:  upon completion of the program participants will be provided with supportive services to aid their success in achieving independence.

Where are we now?

July 22, 2010: Foyer of Philadelphia has released the first volume of its quarterly Newsletter! You can also follow Foyer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FoyerOfPhilly

June 30, 2010: 4 youth have completed the first edition of the Philadelphia Collaborative Arts Program (PCAP), a collaboration with The Foyer of Philadelphia, Broad Street Ministry’s Counseling Services and its representative, Edd Conboy, and with Zane Booker, founder and artistic director of The Smoke, Lilies, and Jade Arts Initiative. See Newsletter for details

May 6, 2010: The Foyer of Philadelphia hosted a “Be the Base” information  session for community leaders at the University of Pennsylvania to outline its three-year plan. See Newsletter for details and article in Jersey Out Magazine

July 23, 2009: What a week ! Foyer of Philadelphia was awarded $7,500 from the Sapphire Fund during a reception at the William Way center. This money will be allocated to future programming in the coming fall and winter.

July 22, 2009: Foyer of Philadelphia received confirmation of its tax exempt status (501(c)3). Many thanks to our pro bono attorneys!

July 21, 2009: Foyer of Philadelphia was nominated for the DVLF HEROES 2009 awards (www.dvlf.org/heroes). We are very proud of this distinction and all the more motivated for the programs to come.

April 28, 2009: 10 youth completed their 6-week internship in gay-owned or gay-friendly businesses or non profits. One of them was offered a permanent job!

Feb 28, 2009: 13 youth graduated for Foyer's first career development class. They now leave for their 6-week internship in gay-owned or gay-friendly businesses or non profits.

Jan 6, 2009: Foyer's pilot career development program is launched! The youth will attend 2 classes a week for 6 weeks.

December 17, 2008: Foyer of Philadelphia will organize an orientation session for the career development class, starting January 12th.For more information, see our "What's new at Foyer" section.

November 21, 2008: Foyer of Philadelphia is proud to have been chosen as one of the three 2008-2009 beneficiaries of the Sapphire Fund. 

November 17, 2008: Foyer of Philadelphia is the proud recipient of a $5,000 grant from the Henrietta Tower Wurts Memorial

October 12, 2008: Foyer of Philadelphia held a table at Philadelphia Outfest Festival, the largest national coming out day event in the world!  http://phillypride.org/events This was the occasion for the Foyer to advertise and recruit for the career development class that will be starting in January.

September 2008: Foyer of Philadelphia is the proud recipient of a $1,500 grant from the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund.

June 8, 2008: Foyer of Philadelphia held a table at Philadelphia Pride Festival. http://phillypride.org/ This hot day was a unique occasion to meet the community and raise awareness to our cause. Some pictures are available on the "What's new page".

May 10, 2008: We have recruited new  Board Members and are forming our committees. Incorporation is finalized.

Mar 10, 2008: We are in the process of incorporating due to the success of the Benefit. We are also recruiting  Board Members.

Feb 10, 2008: We are in the process of raising funds and bringing awareness to this issue.

Mission

Foyer of Philadelphia's mission is to facilitate LGBTQ young adults transition from foster care and/or homelessness to self-sufficiency and independence.  The agency provides LGBTQ young adults with educational opportunities, employment resources, and housing stability.  The comprehensive services available through "Foyer" benefit participants by enriching their skills and developing their self-awareness as they mature into adulthood.

To learn more contact us at: info@foyerofphiladelphia.org