The Need for HEMI
Foster youth often face challenging life circumstances while being moved in and out of different homes throughout their lives. Not all foster youth are placed with families when they turn 16; some live in group homes and others live in independent living apartments. For many of these young people, post-secondary education or training often takes a back burner to more pressing issues that arise when foster youth emancipate and begin to support themselves at 18 or 19 years of age.
National and local statistics for foster children who turn 18 and "age out" of the system are not encouraging. Below are some outcomes for Ohio foster youth at age 19*
14% had a child
24% worked part-time and 12% worked full-time
26% experienced homelessness within the last two years
36% were incarcerated
53% had not completed high school or earned a GED
Nationally, more than 80% of youth in foster care express a desire to attend college, but only a very small percentage go on to earn a bachelor's degree.
*National Youth in Transition Database, 2013 Ohio Data
Become A Mentor
"HEMI provides opportunity and hope for young people who might otherwise find themselves on the streets. While going to college may not be for everyone, it should be an option for everyone. Through volunteer mentors, HEMI helps provide an option that can change a life."
-Greg Vehr
Vice President for Governmental Relations & University Communications, University of Cincinnati
"HEMI's success is due to our selfless mentors who have volunteered their time to help our foster youth achieve their dreams, as well as our great partners that have dedicated time, resources, and efforts to achieve better outcomes for foster students in Hamilton County. Our community is so fortunate to have this type of enthusiasm and commitment to support at-risk youth in getting started on a path to sustainable employment, education, and training."
-Greg Hartmann
HEMI co-founder and former Hamilton County Commissioner