Under One Sky has suspended operations
Under One Sky respects the capacity of the youth in our program to act as authors of their own lives. We are dedicated to providing youth in foster care with the resources they need to make a safe and successful passage to adulthood through adoption, other forms of permanency, and preparation for independent living. We realize that the transition from childhood to adulthood is a process that takes careful preparation for each youth.
Also visit our Campaigns for Kids website at www.campaignsforkids.com
Check out our Under One Sky blog at www.under1sky.wordpress.com. Read stories, poetry, thoughts, and program updates from the youth and staff of Under One Sky!
Under One Sky has suspended operations due to lack of funding but is leaving the door cracked open for what may be the next phase. Twenty-eight youth have found permanency, primarily through adoption in our youth-directed adoption recruitment program. Achieving permanency for these youth has saved the state and counties approximately $2,052,000 to date. If you would like to contact executive director, Diane Delafield you can reach her by email at diane@under1sky.org or by phone at 828-645-1046. Thank you for your interest and support.
Under One Sky is a non-profit organization offering the following year-round, asset-based programs and services for youth in foster care in North Carolina between the ages of 11 and 17:
Whether their goal is adoption or another form of permanency, all youth in our program have a voice in planning their futures by:
- Creating their own goals for permanency and adulthood, directing their own recruitment materials, and choosing programming that is most valuable
- Developing a sense of purpose, self-worth, and confidence within a supportive community of other youth in foster care and mentoring adults
- Learning life skills including budgeting, communication, life mapping, conflict resolution, interviewing, education and career planning, and problem solving
- Engaging in leadership opportunities, community service, and projects that allow them to give back to others
- Exploring their identities through multicultural learning experiences, mentoring, talking circles, and discussions that engage them in defining their own values, beliefs, and spirituality
“When you’re in a foster home, it’s a foster home, but when you’re adopted, you’re home. It’s a place I’ll come to for holidays and the rest of my life, and I’ll be able to say, ‘Hi, Mom, Happy Thanksgiving.”
Brandon Nivens, age 18, adopted at age 16
