THE EBBY HOUSE AT JULIETTE FOWLER HOMES

SERVES: Young women who are 18 to 22 years old and have aged out of the foster care system.

The statistics on life after foster care are staggeringly bleak. According to the Foster Care Alumni of America, 84 percent of young men and women become a parent within two to four years after leaving foster care. Not only that, 51 percent are unemployed, 50 percent are homeless, 30 percent are receiving public assistance, and 25 percent are in prison. Sabrina Porter, the CEO of Juliette Fowler Communities, is working to change those statistics through the Ebby House at Juliette Fowler Homes, a community designed to help young women who are aging out of the foster care system navigate the pitfalls and find a successful future. Up to 16 young women at a time can live in a residential home on the Fowler grounds for 12-24 months under the guidance of a house mom. The Ebby House staff will work with the girls to help them learn life skills such as health and wellness, personal finance, communication and technology. They also receive career guidance, opportunities for education beyond a GED, job training and volunteerism.

VOLUNTEER/GIVE: To learn how you can support The Ebby House and impact the lives of young women who have aged out of foster

Doris Daniely Outreach

SERVES: Breast cancer survivors, by funding reconstruction surgeries for uninsured women and/or women who cannot afford reconstructive services

Woodrow graduate Carol Autry founded this outreach; her mother, Doris Daniely, kept her illness a secret until it was too late. “She was the sweetest, most giving person you’d ever meet,” Autry says. “We never entirely understood why she didn’t tell us she had cancer — maybe because she didn’t want to trouble anyone. Maybe she was in denial, thinking it would go away. We still don’t really know.” Autry finally convinced her mother to see a doctor. The learned cancer had spread through Daniely’s breast. She died two months later. Autry was devastated, but she promptly returned to her job in the plastic surgery office of doctors Carpenter and Mo- care, contact Ann McKinley.

CONTACT:

Ann McKinley, marketing and development

1234 Abrams annm@fowlercommunities.org 214.827.0813, ext. 1336 fowlercommunities.org rales at Baylor. There, she encounters cancer patients almost daily. “They came through all the time — mostly women who need to have a mastectomy, but who don’t have the means for reconstructive surgery afterward.” Autry says she thought about these women constantly. All told, it costs about $100,000 for breast reconstruction surgery. Autry and her coworkers frequently complained to each other: “Somebody should do something to help them.” One night, she says, she thought to herself, “I am somebody.” It’s not easy to start a nonprofit, but along with likeminded partners (a few fellow Woodrow grads), she founded the Doris Daniely Outreach for Breast Reconstruction in honor of her mom. Each year the foundation funds reconstructive surgery for several women.

VOLUNTEER: The outreach employs no paid staff and relies entirely on volunteers. Needs vary — anyone interested in helping should email or call the center.

ATTEND: Several events throughout the year support the nonprofit. Each February members host a fundraising tea at the Dallas Arboretum. Information about 2015 events will be announced soon on the organization’s website.

GIVE: Administrative costs are minimal and primarily related to fundraising event costs including venue charges, invitations and postage, web maintenance and the like. Give any amount online via PayPal.

CONTACT:

Carol Autry, founder dorisdaniely@yahoo.com dorisdanielyoutreach.org

Nexus Recovery Center

SERVES: Women with alcohol and narcotic addictions

East Dallas nonprofit Nexus Recovery Center focuses specifically on helping women, adolescent girls aged 13 to 17 and their families overcome alcohol or narcotic addictions. There are only a handful of substance treatment agencies in the country that allow women to bring their children into treatment. In 1990, Nexus became one of them. When the leaders realized that childcare was a major barrier between women and treatment, they decided to open their doors to families. This also allows Nexus to work with the children to help them navigate their emotional and developmental issues.

VOLUNTEER: Every week, Nexus needs one or two classroom helpers to assist the Dallas ISD teachers in the adolescent classroom. Neighbors can also serve as mentors for the teenage girls through activities and emotional support. For those with less time to commit, Nexus also needs general office help.

GIVE: The center needs infant formula and diapers, maternity clothes, toiletries, office supplies, grocery gift cards, bus passes, school supplies, school uniforms, twin bed comforters, jeans in all sizes, women’s casual shoes and infant cribs.

CONTACT:

Abi Erickson, director of development

8733 La Prada

214.321.0156, ext. 2104 aerickson@nexusrecovery.org nexusrecovery.org