Orphan Foundation of America

A non-​profit group that tries to ease the transition of foster children who are leaving the financial safety net of social services to function on their own. They keep in touch with those they serve via email, phone and mailings. Traditionally, this organization works to fulfill state obligations to former foster youth who are pursuing their education beyond high school.
As with many small non-​profit organizations, the office is decorator-​challenged, with multiple cubicles and a total lack of sunshine. The staff is frequently in stress mode and the energy can be chaotic. Yet, the value of their service to an often overlooked population is obvious. They keep in touch with their students by sending care packages several times a year, monitoring the students’ grades and offsetting college living expenses by sending financial aid. Volunteers are sought during the school year, whenever care boxes are being packed.