Vita Nova, the leader in helping young adults transition to independence, recently received a five-year grant by the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Program for $194,344 per year. This generous Transitional Living Program grant for FY2017 awarded to Vita Nova, Inc. is to expand housing options to older homeless Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgendered, Questioning youth, ages 18-22 years old. Sadly, the numbers of homeless Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgendered, Questioning (LGBTQ) youth are spiraling out of control with 40% of youth claiming homelessness due gender identity or expression.
The mission of the Family and Youth Service Bureau is to support the organizations and communities that work every day to put an end to youth homelessness, adolescent pregnancy and domestic violence.
“We are very grateful for this grant from the Family and Youth Services Bureau (FYSB) Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Program for this grant. Homelessness for LGB+ youth are spiraling out of control. Housing and support services for these youths are no longer an issue -but a priority,” said Jeff DeMario, CEO of Vita Nova, Inc.
Historically, Vita Nova has helped older foster teens and homeless youth find safe places to live (including Vita Nova Village in West Palm Beach), succeed in school, and obtain their first jobs. Through a wide array of unique programs and services provided by Vita Nova, young adults receive a stable, nurturing environment that everyone deserves. Now, a grant from Department of Health and Human Service Administration for Children and Families will allow contribution to new research, use of innovative approaches, and strong community partnerships Vita Nova, Inc., to provide the county’s first housing project for homeless LGBTQ youth ages 18-22.
For over 10 years, Vita Nova has positively impacted hundreds of young adults with success stories around every corner that are awe-inspiring. Stories such as the young man who was lost, scared and homeless to recently being accepted into college and realizing his true potential, to the young girl who finished high school and secured her first job. These are the young people that didn't have the chance of a forever family and with Vita Nova, now have the chance and opportunity to succeed and be fulfilled.
About Vita Nova:
Since 2006, Vita Nova, Inc. has been the leader in helping young adults transition to independence by providing a stable, nurturing environment that includes housing, counseling, and education. A wide array of unique programs and services are offered to young adults ages 18-25. Vita Nova, Inc, located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is comprised of four components: Vita Nova Life Coaches; Oasis Center (Outreach, Advocacy and Support for Independence and Self-Sufficiency); Vita Nova Village; and Vita Nova Thrift Store.
Vita Nova means "new life" in Latin and through the efforts of the Vita Nova team members, its volunteers and its benefactors, older foster and homeless youth are given the opportunity to lead lives characterized by independence, self-determination and personal responsibility.
To learn more about Vita Nova visit www.vitanovainc.org or call 561.689.0035.
