Skip to content

Frequent Asked Questions

What is the FPC Hope Center?

The FPC Hope Center’s mission is to assist youth in successfully transitioning out of foster care by providing a safe and supportive space and connection to a caring network of supports, services, and partners. Underlying this work is a commitment to “filling in the gaps” and building partnerships across sectors to improve outcomes for youth as pathways to education, employment, and independence. The FPC Hope Center’s target population is 18 to 25 year olds who have aged out of foster/kinship care.

Why is the FPC Hope Center’s mission important?

Young adults who have aged out of care:

● Are twice more likely to suffer from PTSD than combat veterans.

●  One in two will develop substance dependence.

● Seven in ten girls will become pregnant before the age of 21.

What does FPC Hope Center’s program look like?

FPC Hope Center is partnered with the Mission West Virginia Bridge Program. The Mission West Virginia Bridge Program assists high school students who are in foster care develop the skills to pursue a post-secondary education plan. However, the mentorship ends upon graduation. Mission West Virginia and the FPC Hope Center will create a “warm hand off” to further their mentorship through their post-secondary education goals. FPC Hope Center will create a network of responsible mentors to support these youth aging out of foster care, giving them the opportunity to realize their greatest potential and shape a successful future.

Strategies include training sessions for the youth and mentors as well as hands on help. The majority of the students will be enrolled in a four year or community college. Many can and will be provided virtually. Much of the service will be informal listening to the students done individually by phone or Zoom (Teams, etc.); advising them in regards to their needs and concerns; and checking in with them to make sure the youth know they have a caring adult they can rely on. Providing care packages; coaching; someone to talk to/discuss problems with; cooking lessons/assistance; regular check-ins; and bills and money management assistance are a few of the strategies to be included.

How many young adults will participate in the pilot program and where do they live?

The program will serve young adults from Kanawha County. FPC Hope Center could possibly serve Boone, Clay and/or Putnam counties in the future. Enrollment will vary as the program grows. Currently eight youth are enrolled in the program. The program has picked up additional schools for Spring and our numbers will increase at that time.

When did the FPC Hope Center’s pilot program start?

The pilot program started in April 2023.

How can you get involved?

Formal recruitment for mentors will begin in January, 2024. Donations are always welcomed and appreciated; contact Becky Ceperley at fpchopecenter@gmail.com, in order to learn how to become a Hope Builder!