At-risk Youth Learn to SHINE at Collins

Serve Heal Inspire Nurture Empower—these are the guiding principles of our SHINE at Collins Family Ministries program. We stand in the gap with at-risk youth in our community who are ready to accept help and learn how to build healthy, stable futures.

During the transition to adulthood, at-risk youth frequently lack a supportive network. We focus intently on building trusting relationships, which are essential to growing a productive partnership with our SHINE youth. Assigned Life Coaches come alongside each young adult to develop a pathway to the future and the success these young people envision for themselves.

Individualized pathways to success can take many forms and are unique to the youth we serve. For example, SHINE at Collins offers workshops and individualized Life Coaching. These sessions cover car and home maintenance; resume writing, interviewing and job searching; nutrition, healthcare and applying for benefits; financial literacy; critical thinking and planning; conflict resolution and decision-making.

The young adults in our community can struggle with finding affordable housing and reliable transportation. SHINE participants receive assistance in developing a dependable transportation plan to get to school and/or work, and in finding resources that lead to establishing a home for themselves.

One young woman in our SHINE program maintained stable employment and diligently saved money, but lacked reliable transportation. Monthly supporters generously donated a car to her, and she is now in her dream job!

If you—or someone you know—is ready learn more about SHINE at Collins and how we can help, contact Collins Family Ministries at 864-882-0893, info@collinschildrenshome.org, or visit us online at collinsfs.org.

Ways to connect with SHINE:

Pray: Many young adults who grew up in the foster care system are carrying burdens of the past. While they work hard, they lack the tools to make decisions that will lead to a brighter future. God, we ask you to help us carry their burdens and point them to the hope in Jesus.

Engage: When you volunteer with us, you represent the love of Jesus to children, young adults, and families who are experiencing a season of crisis

Provide: We can’t shelter youth and children, strengthen families, and stabilize our community without your generous donations.

by Kelly Liston, SHINE at Collins Program Director