In partnership with the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), FACT of Virginia is piloting the Skyward Emergency Funds Project to help address the needs of DJJ involved youth and their families. This pilot project is an expansion of the FACT Emergency Funds Project which was established in 2020 to assist families and individuals who have experienced the trauma associated with family violence with financial assistance.
Sixty-five percent of all young people committed to DJJ’s care have at least one significant trauma in their lives. These funds are intended to help address short term needs not covered by other existing support. The Skyward Fund can provide a critical opportunity to support these youth and families in their journey forward by bridging financial gaps and increasing stability.
An example of how these funds can provide support includes a youth who obtained 24 hours of college credit while detained. When he transitioned out, he needed assistance with funding for school including purchasing books. The Skyward Fund could help bridge this gap to help him continue his schooling.
A budget of $10,000 was made available for for two awards of $5,000 to the Greater Richmond Trauma Informed Community Network (GRTICN) serving Henrico and Chesterfield Counties for the provision of direct financial support of up to $1,000 per family/household for youth and/or their families who are facing a financial emergency.
The application process can be viewed here.
We are seeking contributions to continue this work, please visit our donation page and put “Skyward Fund” in the Honor Of box.