Stories

Elon Homes of North Carolina is a local nonprofit that has been serving North Carolina’s at-risk children for 105 years and has a rich and proud heritage in the field of child development and services. They care for young people from a variety of backgrounds and with a wide range of needs, strengths, opportunities and dreams and their foster care program specializes in keeping sibling groups together in the same home. Read Susan's story below to see the positive impact Elon Homes has on the lives of the youth they serve. 

Before Becoming a Resident at the Foster Care Village:
Susan, now 18, was living in a group home when she aged out of foster care. She had to leave the group home when she turned 18 and finally found a rented room where she could live. A senior in high school, she lost her job due to transportation issues, couldn't pay her rent and came close to dropping out of high school. 

Since Becoming a Foster Care Village Resident:
Each young person is in a safe and comfortable environment, sharing a bedroom with a roommate, with 24/7 professional staff support. Each youth is in school and/or employed, participating in counseling, doing chores and contributing to dormitory life, and learning critical life skills. 

Susan graduated high school and is enrolled in Central Piedmont Community College. Susan's goal is to transfer to UNC-Charlotte and attend NC State to become a veterinarian. She is off to a great start as she is working part time with patients at a veterinary hospital and doing well with her studies. 

Susan's story is just one of many that illustrates how Elon Homes supports individuals in the foster care system and sets them up for future success. Your support of this local nonprofit makes a real difference for real people who have hopes and dreams and the desire to succeed.

Want to donate to this organization but not sure what your gift can do? Check out this break down of how your financial donation will help foster care teens transition into adulthood while in the programs at Elon Homes: 

• $25 donation- Will provide JCSU Meal Tickets for youth at the Foster Care Village.

Why it's important: Residents of the Foster Care Village have access to purchase nutritious meals at the Johnson C. Smith University dining hall. This gift will assist them in purchases of meal ticket passes.

•  $40 donation- Will provide new twin size comforter sets for youth at the Foster Care Village.

Why it's important: Providing a warm and safe place to live is a top priority for the Village residents aging out of foster care transitioning into adulthood.

• $75 donation- Will provide a new shirt and shoes for a new Foster Care Village resident. 

Why it's important: Foster Care Village residents need clothes and shoes that are appropriate for school and employment.  Residents are always grateful for the right size clothing which gives them the confidence that comes from being "Dressed For Success."

• $120 donation- Will provide a monthly CATS and LYNX Express Pass for our youth. 

 Why it's important:  Our youth rely on public transportation to visit friends and family, get to jobs, travel to vocational training opportunities as well as trips to classes at CPCC. Financial assistance with public transportation can be a tremendous help to our young people.