United States
The Mecklenburg Guardian Ad Litem Foundation provides foster children opportunities for personal enrichment and well-being through a program called Beyond the Classroom.
Beyond the Classroom provides funding for “extra” needs, such as birthday parties, drivers education courses, swim lessons, prom suits/dresses, sports fees and equipment, beach trips, music lessons, and more. Research shows that positive experiences for children in foster care can make a difference for them as adults - they are more likely to finish high school, take part in healthy relationships, and have healthy coping mechanisms.
The Mecklenburg GAL Foundation believes that children in foster care deserve to have positive, fulfilling experiences, and these experiences are an investment in their future. Through Beyond the Classroom, we hope that children in foster care know their worth, experience joy, and expand their horizons.
An example of Beyond the Classroom in Action
Foster child “Jayden” worked diligently to stay on top of his grades and be successful in his JROTC program. At the request of his GAL, Sharon, Beyond the Classroom funded his 2023 class ring. Sharon reports that the class ring means a lot to him, and while it was not a necessity, it represents that he is worth the extra.
How to help
- Give Financially – The best way to support the Mecklenburg GAL Foundation is to give financially to our Beyond the Classroom fund.
- Donate Services – If you are a professional in youth services and can donate lessons or equipment, please contact us at meckgalfoundation@gmail.com