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IRVINE, Calif. (June 3, 2009) - On the site of HomeAid Orange County's new project, Lauri Burns, The Teen Project founder shared with more than 70 business and community leaders her dream that no teen should ever be without a home or a family. HomeAid Orange County hosted an Open House at the project site in Lake Forest, Calif. to introduce the community to the newly incorporated non-profit agency The Teen Project and to request their support of this important remodeling project.
Scott Larson, HomeAid Orange County Executive Director presented carabiners to each guest. The oblong metal rings used to connect rock climbing equipment play a critical role in helping the climber successfully reach a summit. Larson asked Burns to hang her carabiner on the eave of the house and then invited supporters to symbolically hook their carabiners to Burns' carabiner.
"As the chain of carabiners grows it represents the connection of each supporter and how linked together we can help make Lauri's dream a reality," said Larson.
Major donors Irvine Housing Opportunities, Fashion IslandŽ, The Peter and Mary Muth Foundation and Bucilla Group Architecture were recognized for their generous support in launching the remodeling of The Teen Project's first Teen Sober College Home for young women.
"Our firm is very proud to be part of such an inspired program. We hope that this effort by all will continue to impact and enhance the need to assist, mentor and encourage foster kids beyond the age of 18. We hope to encourage youth that do not have the provisions and opportunities to land on their feet so that they can excel and reach for the stars. They can go onto college and have the career of their dreams," said Greg Bucilla, president Bucilla Group Architecture.
When the Lake Forest project is completed the now three bedroom house will be transformed into a spacious, functional six bedroom home including a remodeled family room, kitchen and dining area with the capacity to provide a secure and stable home for up to five young women who have aged out of the foster care system. The average stay in the program will be 24 months. Residents will live in a stable environment with guidance and structure provided by professional staff. The ultimate goal for each young woman is to become a productive, independent and self-sufficient adult.
Burns has committed her life to care for children no one else wants and to help them successfully transition into adulthood. She understands the issues they face because she grew up as a "system kid". As a victim of child abuse, she entered the juvenile justice system in her early teens and at 18, she aged out of the system and was legally declared an adult. Facing what 60 percent of California emancipated foster youth experience Burns was without a place to live. After five years of living through the horrors on the streets, Burns committed to change her life and she succeeded. Today Burns is a successful businesswoman and has been a foster mother to 20 youth. She feels her life experiences have just prepared her for what she was born to do - giving each child an equal chance at life.
Several companies and individuals have donated funds and services for the project, but community support is still needed to complete this remodel. If you would like to learn more about the project, email Ken Yannayon at ken@homeaidoc.org or call 949.553.9510.
About HomeAid Orange County
HomeAid Orange County is the founding chapter of a national non-profit organization with the mission to build and maintain dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives. Founded in 1989 by the Orange County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, HomeAid acts as the housing developer and liaison between service providers, community volunteers, builders and specialty contractors. To date the organization has completed 44 housing developments that serve victims of domestic violence, pregnant homeless women, abused and abandoned children, homeless adults living with HIV/AIDS and homeless families. www.homeaidoc.org
About The Teen Project
THE TEEN PROJECT a 501(c)(3) organization, founded by Lauri Burns in response to her overwhelming feeling that no matter how many teens she fostered, it was never enough. Burns' dream is that no teen should ever be without a home or a family and her vision is very clear that "system" teens receive all of the resources and amenities that are provided for "normal" kids. Led by a dedicated team of community volunteers working with foster children and emancipated foster youth, The Teen Project is creating a prototype of transitional housing specifically addressing the needs of homeless foster youth that have been turned out to the streets at the age of 18 with no family or resources. www.theteenproject.com
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