Our Projects
The Compass Project
The Compass Project provides professional psychological and/or sociological assessment and treatment for at-risk children and adolescents.
At the JWFF, all of the at-risk children we work with have dealt with some kind of childhood trauma, whether that includes family death, neglect, abandonment, or various forms of abuse. Such trauma often follows children into adulthood which impacts their mental and physical health. In fact, research has shown that childhood trauma survivors are more likely to experience learning difficulties, increased involvement with juvenile justice systems and long-term health problems (e.g., diabetes and heart disease). (Understanding Child Trauma - What is Childhood Trauma? | SAMHSA)
Fortunately, childhood trauma can be processed and healed through good counseling and follow up support. With the help of our supporters the JWFF Compass Project helps children, in our partner organizations find their way. Our professional team of therapists and support personnel provide individualized therapy and support to these children in need. Our team works alongside the teachers and support staff to make the biggest impact on each child.
Military Mentorship Initiative
The Military Mentorship program provides mentors to at-risk youth who aspire to join the U.S. Armed Forces. Through this program, youth have direct access to active duty or retired military service members who act as both mentor and advocate for individuals considering a military career.
At JWFF we know that joining the military requires more than just signing up. The Military Mentorship program provides mentors to at-risk youth who aspire to join the U.S. Armed Forces. Through this program, participants have direct access to active duty or retired military service members who act as both mentor and advocate for individuals considering a military career. Each mentor is a Command Fitness Leader trained to properly administer military Physical Readiness Test (PRT) or Physical Screening Test (PST). The mentors utilize a Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) to guide our physical development programs.
The program begins with a consultation to discuss job-suitability and expectations. JWFF provides individualized advocacy and aid for each program participant throughout the recruitment process. This includes, but not limited to, professional counseling, academic tutors and facilitating physical development programs. Our mentors continue to serve during bootcamp, initial training school, and their transition to the Fleet or Company.
Meet the Mentors
Educate to Empower
The Educate to Empower program provides personalized hands-on tutoring to at-risk children and adolescents.
The Educate to Empower program provides after school tutoring and academic excellence for at-risk students. Our goal is to identify learning deficiencies and help each child succeed academically. Many at-risk children have a weak educational foundation and require specialized attention, through additional tutoring, to succeed. The academic and financial requirements for individualized tutors are especially rigorous for older students who aspire to enter college or vocational schools. JWFF provides hands-on tutors to assist in the academic achievement of each student.
Dreams in Motion
The Dreams in Motion program provides opportunities for at-risk youth to engage in and experience the life changing impact of sports.
In the past twenty years, youth sports have grown to be an estimated $17 billion industry. Families are now annually spending, on average, over $900 per child athlete. With the rising cost of sports, low income children are unable to keep up with the demand for sport excellence. (Aspen Institute/Utah State University 2020 National Youth Sport Survey)
At JWFF we're dedicated to making dreams a reality for at-risk students who possess a passion for sports. Our program, Dreams in Motion, is committed to removing financial barriers and providing opportunities for youth to thrive in their athletic pursuits. JWFF provides at-risk children access to sports by covering funding for registration fees, equipment and other associated costs that create barriers to athletic participation.
In addition to removing financial barriers, Dreams in Motion provides opportunities for youth and adult members of the community to participate in, volunteer at or attend safe and inclusive local sporting events. Our goal is to foster healthy communities, where acceptance and inclusion of youth with all abilities is a priority.
Foster Children Statistics
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The median age of foster children is 6 years old.
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In 2021, about 391,098 children in the United States were living in foster care.
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The most populated states have the highest number of foster care placements. As of 2021, California has the highest number of foster care placements with 47,871 children currently in care, followed by Texas at 28,042 and Florida with 23,507.
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Six out of ten boys who age out of foster care have been convicted of a crime (What to Become, 2022).
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Currently in the United States, 20,000 children between the ages of 18 and 21 age out of the foster system yearly (Chosen Blog, 2018).
Foster Care Education & Employment Statistics
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Currently, 50% of foster care alumni (adults who have aged out of foster care) have no earnings within four years of aging out. Those who do, have an average annual income of $7,500 (What to Become, 2022).
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At least 40% of foster children have learning difficulties (Chosen Blog, 2018)
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Foster children are three times more likely to be suspended and expelled from school than other children (Chosen Blog, 2018).
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High school dropout rates are three times higher for foster youth than other low-income children (Chosen Blog, 2018).
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Foster youth have a 55% success rate of graduating high school compared to 87% of general population youth (Chosen Blog, 2018).
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Between 3% and 10.8% of foster care alumni go on to complete a bachelor’s degree (Chosen Blog, 2018).
Mental Health Statistics
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Youth in foster care have unique mental health needs due to their history of abuse, neglect, increased exposure to violence and high levels of complex trauma. Due to these contributing factors, and others, there is an increased prevalence of emotional and behavioral disorders in the foster care population (Dubois-Comtois et.al, 2021).
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The rates of psychiatric symptoms and disorders, including but not limited to, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and reactive attachment disorder are significantly higher in children in foster care (Lore & Jones, 2016).
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Up to 80 percent of children in foster care have significant mental health issues, compared to approximately 18-22 percent of the general population (Lohr & Jones, 2016).
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The rate of orphaned/foster children receiving psychotropic medications is 3 times that of children who are not in foster care (Lohr & Jones, 2016).
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Foster care alumni (adults who have aged out of foster care) experience post-traumatic stress disorder at a rate nearly 5 times higher than the general adult population (Lohr & Jones, 2016).
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If foster children’s trauma and associated symptoms are not properly understood and addressed by professionals, interventions are likely to be unsuccessful. This leads to long-term sustainability issues in becoming productive and successful adults (Dubois-Comtois et al, 2021).
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One quarter of foster youth aged 16-17 years old, have attempted suicide (Okpych & Courtney, 2017)
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The suicide attempt rate for foster youth living in a group home was 2.6 times higher than youth living in a foster home (Okpych & Courtney, 2017)
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Foster children are 5 times as likely to have anxiety and 7 times as likely to have depression than children not in the child welfare system (Taussig et al, 2014).
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One out of four foster kids show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (What to Become, 2022).
Sports and Military Statistics
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Adolescents engaged in sports are more likely to adopt healthier overall lifestyles.
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Regular physical activity, including sports, has been linked to improved mental health and emotional wellness.
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By mastering skills and overcoming challenges, sports can help boost children's self-confidence and foster a sense of accomplishment.
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Sports offer a platform for young people to interact with their peers, develop friendships and build social skills.