Marscia Anderson believes God put it in her heart to start Solid Rock Youth Transitional Services after she learned that 40% of youth who age out of foster care end up homeless. "That was a devastating statistic," she said, "and it broke my heart to learn so many young people are homeless and trying to figure out life and adulthood on their own, especially after experiencing the challenges of the foster-care system. God has always placed youth in a special place in my heart and fostered youth have always been a part of my life as several members of my family are from the foster-care system."
When Anderson learned that statistic she was serving as a board member with The James Project. The nonprofit organization supports Sangamon County foster families with homes, parental support, children's provisions and a community of supporters. However, Anderson saw a need for another nonprofit that would help former foster children who are too old to receive services through the child welfare system.
Anderson and her mother, who was a social worker, planned to start Solid Rock upon her mother's retirement, but her mother passed away before they could launch it together. "But God made it clear to me that the statistics haven't changed, and there are still young people who need help," Anderson said, "so with the help of my board and the support of family and friends, Solid Rock was launched."
The nonprofit serves Sangamon County and is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to young adults transitioning to adulthood after or while aging out of the foster-care system. That support includes providing housing, life skills training, workforce development, educational resources and direct health support to thrive independently.
"I had heard and seen firsthand the passion and hard work she (Anderson) had been putting in to create this organization," said Loren Toney, Solid Rock's social media and marketing coordinator, "and I was inspired at how much this work had the potential to change lives." Toney joined Solid Rock in December 2023.
Prior to the second annual Mother's Day fundraiser, Toney cited several accomplishments during the organization's two years of operation. Among those is raising $20,000 for programs and services for youth in need. A grant allowed for kick-starting new programming initiatives, further expanding outreach and effectiveness in assisting with transitioning foster youth. To date, seven young individuals are successfully housed, providing them with stability and support as they navigate the challenges of independent living. Solid Rock has set ambitious goals of serving 200 foster youth and families and raising $100,000 to amplify its impact in ending youth homelessness.
Anderson said the most challenging part of their work is understanding that they can't save everyone and participants have to be open to partnering for their journey. "So, that can be challenging, but we have to continue to be relentless and meet them where they are," she said. "The most enjoyable part is when the participants hit a milestone, which can be any step in the program. It encourages them as well as the staff that we just have to keep going – even though it takes time and it is challenging, we just have to take it one step at a time."
Cullen Watkins, who works for Solid Rock as a youth advocate, guides participants through a 10-step process that includes goal setting with action plans, daily check-ins, weekly one-on-one connections, peer support and mentorship groups. When connecting the participants to different services, he said he initially allows the participants to advocate on their own behalf.
"I also understand there are many societal norms that many of our participants never learned, and those and other moments of need are when I advocate in their best interest," Watkins said. "One example is filling out paperwork and discussing the nuances of their personal situations with the navigators at the public-aid office."
Growing up in East St. Louis, Watkins was inspired by his family with parents and grandparents who served as teachers, preachers and in other community service roles. His parents were foster parents, so the mission of Solid Rock is personal to him as well.
"Helping participants accomplish goals and check items off their list brings me unspeakable joy. Living this purpose-driven life brings joy to my soul every morning. I am blessed to wake up and serve.
"The severity and frequency of trauma experienced by our participants is so sad," Watkins added. "The resiliency they pose to continue to strive to become happy, self-sufficient adults is awe-inspiring. Seeing how hard a lot of the participants fight for their future is motivating. Being the example to our participants that they have help in this fight for their life keeps me highly motivated and engaged in this essential community building work that we do at Solid Rock."
To learn more about Solid Rock, including career and volunteer opportunities and how you can support its mission, visit www.solidrockyts.org.
Janet Seitz is a local communications professional, writer and artist. To share your story, contact her at [email protected].
