Phoenix, AZ – The Thunderbirds Charities provided $20,000 to OCJ Kids to help restore the dignity, hope and self-confidence that was stolen from girls after being shattered by pre-foster care abuse. Through the program, the girls receive help to cope with, and overcome, the impacts of past abuse; engage in life skills development activities to build their self-confidence and resilience; and participate in OCJ Kids’ post-secondary education, career planning, internships and other activities to help prepare them for a successful life after foster care.
The program will take place in OCJ Kids’ Thunderbirds Charities Restoring Dignity Room. Additional program activities include providing the girls with undergarments that fit, as many experience pain by wearing items that are too small because their past abuse makes it difficult to ask for new ones; providing monthly cycle and hygiene products; cutting and styling their hair; teaching them about how to care for their bodies as they go through puberty and beyond; and engaging them in educational workshops, discussions and training activities to help them overcome the pain of abuse, improve their self-esteem, and develop resilience. The grant will provide all these services for at least 500 girls in 2024-25.
“We are so grateful to the Thunderbirds Charities for this grant,” said Gary Webb, President and Founder. ”The pre-foster care abuse these girls experienced impacts so many areas of their lives, including their self-confidence and ability to cope with adversity. For others, it makes it difficult to ask for undergarments that fit, monthly products, and other personal items. When they come to our Restoring Dignity Room, they are greeted and served by our caring female staff who provide these items, teach them about changes that occur during puberty, discuss how to cope with past abuse, and assist in other ways. We also help prepare teen girls for life after foster care through vocational and other activities. The Thunderbirds Charities’ grant will help us provide resources and services to help these girls heal, gain confidence and resilience, and prepare for a brighter future.”
This grant is part of the Spring 2024 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.