When Patrick* was about to turn 18 and close to leaving foster care, he wasn’t sure how he’d manage on his own.
Life hasn’t always been easy for Patrick, who has lived in and out of many foster care homes. But thanks to Wesley Take Charge of Your Life, a program that supports young adults transitioning out of foster care to develop life skills, he now feels ready to live independently. And while his finances are tight, he’s determined to pursue his dream to become a nurse.
So, when Patrick learned of The Honig Foundation’s generous Empower Scholarships, he decided to apply. And he’s so glad he did.
“The Honig Foundation’s financial support has helped me afford everything I personally needed for my nursing course,” Patrick says.
“I was able to purchase all my textbooks, lab uniform, stethoscope… [it] even covered some of the cost [of] my laptop, which I use every day for at-home study and in-class note taking.”
Without financial aid from The Honig Empower Scholarship and access to those resources, Patrick believes his university experience would have been much more challenging.
The Honig Foundation is dedicated to supporting disadvantaged community members who have limited choices, by partnering with organisations like Wesley Mission that are committed to giving dignity, hope and security to people who need it most, because every life matters.
“The Honig Foundation is thrilled that with our support, Wesley Mission has been able to empower three incredible young people transitioning out of foster care,” says Hilit, CEO of The Honig Foundation.
“With these scholarships, they’ll have the opportunity to pursue tertiary education and take control of their futures. We can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve in the years to come.”
The Honig Empower Scholarships were awarded for the first time in 2022 to three young adults who exhibited determination and resilience in the face of adversity and were eager to pursue further studies.
“I feel a lot less stressed knowing that I don’t have to worry about being able to afford the basic necessities without going broke,” Patrick says. “I don’t think my studies would be as easy without The Honig Foundation’s support.”
*Name and photo changed to protect privacy
