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Commentary: A fresh start for former foster-care youths [philly.com]

 

This piece is a wonderful commentary showcasing a solution story out of Philadelphia where a coffee shop is creating a sense of community, job-skills, and life-skills for young adults formerly placed in foster care. The Monkey and the Elephant is a shining example of doing right by foster alumni, and bringing hope to ending intergenerational cycles of trauma and adversity.

Sherreiff McCrae was 5 years old when he was placed in the care of a neighbor. Not long after, the Department of Human Services intervened, moving Sherreiff to a group home. There he found stability and safety. But once he turned 18, he was on his own - no family, no education, no job.

Every day, America's foster care system cuts off social services to 60 young people like Sherreiff. They have become legal adults - but in many ways are woefully unprepared for the adult world.

What can one person do? Open a coffee shop.

Lisa Miccolis, a Wayne native, founded The Monkey & The Elephant, a nonprofit coffee shop in North Philadelphia that employs young adults who have lived in foster care.

Click here to read the entire piece by Rosemary McDonough.

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