New initiative will benefit Older Youth Services program participants
Kickoff event May 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at Indiana Design Center
REALTOR Shell Barger and The Villages of Indiana are announcing a new partnership designed to support older youth aging out of the foster care system living on their own for the first time. Barger will support and facilitate donations of household items, such as furniture, household items and appliances, for foster children in The Villages Older Youth Services Program.
Barger, a REALTOR with RE/MAX Ability Plus in Carmel, Ind., often works with people who are downsizing or redecorating when buying or selling a new home. Their furniture, kitchen appliances, television sets and other items are no longer needed but are perfect for a young person just starting out. She says, “We all remember our first apartment. Going out on our own is exciting, but it’s also a little scary. Once you get that perfect comfy couch or hang up your favorite photos, it feels like home.”
A kickoff event is scheduled for Saturday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the offices of RE/MAX Ability Plus at the Indiana Design Center, 200 S. Range Line Road, Unit 129, Carmel, IN 46032. Remarks will be made at 10:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP at shellbargerdonations@gmail.com with any items they intend to bring.
Millie McDonald, Director of Older Youth Services at The Villages, said, “When these young men and women turn eighteen, life after foster care can be challenging as they work to make a successful transition into the adult world. This partnership will give the community a place to go to support donations to make the transition a little easier.”
Barger said, “When I learned about the kids aging out of their foster home, it pulled at my heart strings. The Villages played a significant role in helping my family with foster services that led to the adoption of my beloved granddaughter. You can definitely say I’m passionate about supporting those in need at The Villages.”
To make donations to The Villages Older Youth Services program contact Shell Barger ShellBargerDonations@gmail.com.
Donors also have the option to buy new items via The Villages’ Amazon Wish List and have them shipped directly to The Villages of Indiana office on Meridian Street. In the gift message add Shell Barger OYS initiative. Forward the Amazon email confirmation to kcottingham@villages.org with contact information for donor tax acknowledgment.
