Solar Youth BLOG
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November 20, 2018
Teen Empowerment and Holiday Groceries from the Pincus Family Foundation
With Thanksgiving upon us, we would like to highlight our partnership with the Pincus Family Foundation who provides important funding for Solar Youth’s Empowerment Team and continues a special annual holiday gift card tradition for the families of youth in Solar Youth programs.
Founded in 2005 by philanthropist David N. Pincus, the foundation supports programs and organizations around the world that enable children to be healthy, safe, and successful. We are incredibly thankful for the opportunities we share with our youth as a result of their continued generosity.The Empowerment Team started in 2015 with the help of the Pincus Family Foundation. The program’s goal is to offer more flexible support to teenage youth to encourage them to graduate high school, learn important life skills, and be prepared for adult life. For example, this season has connected youth with ServSafe certification, CPR training, resume building workshops, and a sexual health class through partnership with Yale OB/GYN resident program.
We also follow alumni as they navigate the worlds of college and career, continuing to provide support through important life transitions. A recent intern involved in the Empowerment Team took account of what she had learned: “Solar Youth helps me to focus on things that are a big part of my life; it helps me improve my people skills; it helped me create a great pathway for myself and strive for better.”
For the past several years, the Pincus Family Foundation has granted Solar Youth support to provide grocery store gift cards to families of youth in our programs. During the holiday season, every little bit helps for members of our community to celebrate. We value the opportunity to build strong connections with parents and family members as partners in the success of the youth and give something back to those who support us.
Strong partnerships are key to Solar Youth’s programming to empower youth from New Haven’s high-poverty neighborhoods. This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for the Pincus Family Foundation, their continued support of Solar Youth programming and support of the youth and families of New Haven CT .