Independent Living Services

The transition to independence is certainly a challenge which awakens separation anxiety common to all individuals. For young people in foster care, this challenge may be more difficult as there is often no legacy of security and love. The Bair Foundation desires to facilitate a positive transition by preparing foster adolescents for independence through the use of supervised individual living services in a supportive environment. This program is for children currently in care with The Bair Foundation who meet the eligibility requirements.

The Paul Smith Independent Living Fund

Lack of transportation is one of the biggest hurdles a teen aging out of the foster care system has to overcome. As they leave high school, whether they go right on to work or on to higher education, they need a means to get there. Yet a vehicle is such a big expense - and an ongoing expense - that few foster youth in high school are able to cover on their own. Foster youth who have their own vehicle have increased independence and employment success. The Bair Foundation provides matching funds (up to $1,000) to our foster youth towards the purchase of a vehicle. It is absolutely crucial that we provide young people with the tools and give them every opportunity to successfully transition out of foster care and into adulthood. The extra steps we take today will ultimately affect their future and society as a whole.

The Ed Massey, Jr. Scholarship Fund

The Bair Foundation believes that every child deserves a chance to fulfill their dream. We are committed to the welfare of each child that enters our program. The Edward B. Massey, Jr. Scholarship is a reflection of that commitment. 

The scholarship, named after late board member Edward B. Massey, Jr., is available to all Bair graduating seniors and is renewable each year. In addition to financial support, The Bair Foundation staff offers mentoring and sends care packages to each scholarship recipient. In 2011, 95% of Bair seniors were accepted to a college, university or technical school.

The scholarship fund offers ope to children who, despite the upheaval in their lives, have worked hard to achieve academic success. By providing the financial assistance necessary for these students to continue their education, The Bair Foundation is able to offer the greatest gift they may ever receive... a college education.