Program for foster children gets start in Hannibal with help from Riedel Foundation

HANNIBAL, Mo. — A program that helps children aging out of the foster care system has started offering services in Hannibal with the help of a matching grant from the Riedel Foundation.

Volunteers with Faith Bridge of Moberly began a program in 2021 called Carry On which serves former foster youths who have transitioned out of the foster care system. As word about the program spread, the organization started getting requests from the Hannibal area. Andie Jamerson, Faith Bridge founder, director and full-time volunteer, then approached the Riedel Foundation, which responded with a $5,000 matching grant to serve Hannibal children.

In a press release, Jamerson said, “While there are several programs in place to help foster families, there isn’t much of a safety net for young adults who turn 18 and leave the system. They get some assistance from the state, but otherwise they are turned out and left to fend for themselves. These kids already have had a rough start in life, that’s why they were placed in foster care. Too often, the outcome when they leave the system is homelessness, poverty, addiction — even prison.”

The goal of Carry On is to provide young adults with tangible goods and tools to help them become successful, contributing members of the community. They provide furniture, bedding, kitchen and bath essentials, small appliances, cleaning and laundry supplies, basic tools, hygiene and first aid items, home décor, clothing, shoes and career wear at no cost.

Carry On has already met the needs of three young adults in Hannibal using Riedel funding. The program served 73 people last year. On average, each young adult receives approximately $4,500 in items for their first apartment.

“This serves to alleviate the initial cost of independence for former foster youth and gives them the freedom to begin adulthood with the things they need,” Jamerson said. “They are also able to participate in mentoring programs, support groups, job training, life skills classes, and college-level tutoring.”

Faith Bridge is working with existing organizations in Hannibal that help foster children to identify and assist young adults transitioning out of foster care.

To find out how to help Faith Bridge and the Carry On program, go to faithbridgemoberly.org.