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Organization	The HALO Foundation
Region	United States
Website	Website
Facebook	Facebook
Twitter	@Twitter
ProjectLeader	Nicole Gerken

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The homeless youth crisis is rising with over 6,000 homeless youth in Kansas City. This project supports the HALO Learning Center -- a safe-haven of healing and hope for over 700 children. HALO puts KC homeless kids on a path to a positive future. Through therapeutic art programs, tutoring, professional development, scholarships and help preparing for higher education, our kids work hard to leave the "at-risk" label behind and finally be seen as a great kid with the potential to do great things.

Challenge

Recent studies are showing there are approximately 6,000 Kansas City 13-to 24-year-olds in need. Shelters are at capacity and are not able to focus on the development of children in their care. They are struggling to provide life skill education and serve as the foundation of a family for children who need it the most. This population is vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, addiction, crime, and suicide, all continuing the cycle of poverty they were born into.

Long-Term Impact

Children show they have improved mental and physical health. They have mastered the life skills it takes to obtain a degree/certificate and secure and maintain quality employment. These skills lead to a positive outlook on their future and holds the potential for a total reversal of fortune and becoming a contributing member of their community. The investment in one child could save our society over $300,000 in costs associated with welfare and incarceration.