Thank you to Allianz Life Insurance Company for hosting a charity fair on January 23, 2025!
Allianz invited non-profits and charities to attend their Allianz Employee-Elected Charity Fair. They were so gracious and kind, and it was amazing interacting directly with the employees. We’d like to extend a special thank you to Laura Juergens, Community Relations Manager, for such a successful event.
The four charitable organizations with the most employee votes will each receive a donation of $25,000 and a company-sponsored volunteer event. This is a unique opportunity for Allianz employees to make a difference by supporting and voting for the charities they care about.
Attending for YWCA St. Paul was Holly Marshall, STRIDE Program Manager, and Michelle Heyn, Chief Advancement Officer. The STRIDE program was highlighted.
What is the STRIDE Program?
Empowering Foster Youth for Independent Living
The STRIDE Program at YWCA St. Paul is a transformative initiative designed to support foster youth as they transition into independent living. Through a cohort-based model, STRIDE provides a comprehensive system of support that helps young people build the skills, confidence, and networks necessary for a successful future.
STRIDE recognizes the unique challenges faced by foster youth aging out of the system and offers tailored, holistic services to bridge the gap between foster care and independent adulthood.
Through the STRIDE Program, YWCA St. Paul is committed to empowering foster youth to lead independent, fulfilling lives by providing the tools, resources, and relationships they need to thrive. This initiative not only helps participants navigate the immediate challenges of transitioning out of foster care but also lays the foundation for long-term success and well-being. Thank you to all of our generous donors and supporters!!
Program Goals
- Equip foster youth with the skills needed for successful independent living.
- Provide consistent, meaningful mentorship and peer support.
- Ensure access to stable housing and pathways to sustainable employment.
- Foster a sense of community and belonging, reducing isolation during the transition to adulthood.
- Promote long-term self-sufficiency and resilience.
Program Outcomes
- Increased independent living skills, including financial literacy, job readiness, and self-care.
- Improved housing stability, with participants securing and maintaining safe housing.
- Greater economic independence through employment or continued education.
- Stronger social networks and connections to supportive peers and mentors.
Thank you, Allianz, for your support of YWCA St. Paul!
