Since Joy Closet’s inception, its mission has been to assist foster children, children in crisis and their associated guardians and families to feel “special, valued and loved” — through the giving of necessary items and providing emotional and educational support for a better chance in adulthood.
Now, with a firm foundation in Christian County, the non-profit organization has unveiled new programming for those aging out of the foster system.
During Wednesday morning’s Country Club visit with Alan Watts and Cindy Allen Lax, Joy Closet Executive Director Heather Gray said “Eagle Fly” began this past Monday — in what will be a mentorship between an adult and an 18-year-old needing care.
Gray noted some stark statistics that helped drive this new initiative.
Calling it a “multi-fold launch,” Gray added that the first step will be to look for adult mentors at least 21 years of age, local to the Pennyrile area and interested in connecting with teenagers, before moving to those next ventures.
Well-established individuals, and especially couples, are welcome as mentors, because Gray relayed that many of this children-turned-young adults haven’t had familial, adult relationships to rely upon during their childhood.
Gray noted the mentor-mentee relationship requires applicants submit to a background check and some early training courses, before interviews with mentors and mentees better pair prospective teams.
The number of mentors needed, Gray highlighted, is innumerable.
There are many ways in which one can reach out to Joy Closet: through Facebook, Instagram, by phone at (270) 632-1232 or in person at 814 Belmont Street in Hopkinsville.
Their donation hours are from 8:30-11 Monday and Thursday mornings, and from 10-1 Saturdays, with shopping times identical. Appointments can also be made Monday-Friday for visits or other concerns.
Some immediate needs include: monthly financial sponsors, convertible car seats, cribs and crib mattresses, preemie diapers, mens underwear, mens and boys sweatpants, twin and full-size comforters, fall and winter shoes, kids 3-in-1 soap/shampoo/conditioner, deodorant and liquid soaps for teens.
