An annual donation drive led by the West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities will bring joy to former foster youth in West Virginia during the holiday season.

The Mentoring and Oversight for Developing Independence with Foster Youth (MODIFY) program at the Center for Excellence in Disabilities helps eligible former foster youth ages 17-23 transition to independence by exploring secondary education and/or obtaining a bachelor’s degree or eligible certification while attending a West Virginia college, university or Pell-approved certificate program. Each year, MODIFY seeks donations to purchase gifts and brighten the holidays for the young people they serve.

Transitioning to adulthood can be a challenging time for young people who age out of foster care. According to the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council, they have a higher risk than their peers of experiencing homelessness, mental and physical health problems, substance use disorder and more. The MODIFY program provides education and training supports to help the young adults through this process.

“This time of year can be particularly hard for the youth in our program that may not have the same traditional support that a college student would typically have during the holidays,” said MODIFY program manager Michelle Fleece. “Through this annual fundraiser, our program tries to remind these youth that there are people that care and are proud of the steps they’re taking to build a better foundation for their lives.”

MODIFY is accepting financial donations that will be used to purchase gift cards for the youth in the program. Donations will be accepted until Dec. 14, 2024. All donations are tax deductible through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.

“The young people in the MODIFY program are always grateful to receive gift cards to buy themselves a little something special, which would not be possible without our holiday donation drive,” Fleece said. “We want to thank the community for their continued support of this drive and our program. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the former foster youth of West Virginia.”