The Albert Wilson Foundation, founded by Miami Dolphins wide receiver Albert Wilson to enrich the lives of children in foster care, today announced its ongoing efforts and campaign to support HANDY (Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth) with crisis relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 10-week campaign, which began on March 30, will run through June 7, 2020. At the halfway point of the campaign, through its fundraising efforts, The Albert Wilson Foundation has provided HANDY youth and its caretakers with 550 meals, job opportunities and raised more than $10,000 to directly benefit HANDY youth and families.
While this is a difficult time for everyone, the hardship for those in foster and relative/nonrelative care associated with the child dependency system, are especially severe. During the past month, 75% of HANDY youth and their caretakers have lost their jobs. Many of these families were already living paycheck-to-paycheck and were teetering on the edge of homeless prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, these families have no idea how to pay for life essentials such as rent and food.
“COVID-19 has caused an unprecedented and unmeasurable amount of hardship and loss throughout the world. As we enter May, which is National Foster Care Awareness month, The Albert Wilson Foundation hopes to shine a light on the often overlooked foster community and will continue to do its part to provide relief and support during these trying times,” said Jamaal May, Executive Director of The Albert Wilson Foundation. “It is our privilege to support and work in conjunction with HANDY and its great organization during this pandemic.”
The Albert Wilson Foundation has received substantial cash donations from the Miami Dolphins organization, JägermeisterUSA on behalf of YesJulz’s Little Rascals Foundation and Broward County Clerk of Courts, which will go directly towards The Albert Wilson Foundation campaign that benefits HANDY. Additionally, through The Albert Wilson Foundation, Fit Fixins, a healthy food and lifestyle meal prep business based in Port St. Lucie, has generously donated 300 meals to HANDY families, a value of more than $3,000. Also, the Phoenix Organization, which is a franchisee that owns and operates more than 31 Burger King’s, Taco Bell’s, and Denny’s in Broward County has donated 250 value meals and extended special consideration for employment opportunities for HANDY youth over the age of 16 and their caretakers. ESPN Radio West Palm Beach 106.3 FM is also running donated, promotional spots twice daily through the end of the campaign to help raise awareness.
To make a tax-exempt donation to The Albert Wilson Foundation, visit: https://albertwilsonfoundation.org/donation/. All donations received through Sunday, June 7, will directly benefit HANDY South Florida.
About The Albert Wilson Foundation
The Albert Wilson Foundation is a charity founded by Miami Dolphins WR Albert Wilson to enrich the lives of children in foster care. The Albert Wilson Foundation strives to change the destiny of foster children and break the cycle of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. It works to support youth during their transition in and out of foster care. Its goal is to provide scholarships to those wishing to continue their education outside the state of Florida, in addition to rewarding youth who continue to excel in the classroom and extracurriculars, despite all obstacles and circumstances. For more information visit http://www.albertwilsonfoundation.org.
About HANDY
HANDY, which stands for Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth, is an award-winning 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Founded in 1985, HANDY has met the needs of more than 45,000 Broward County children in foster and relative/nonrelative care associated with the child dependency system. HANDY’s mission is to achieve positive, lasting change for youth by providing life skills, education and a supportive community. HANDY strives to provide customized programs that meet the individual needs of a child that take them from early childhood to adulthood. For more information visit https://handyinc.org.
