C O M M U N I T Y
Ready for Life
Photography by Gram
Gerry Hogan and his wife Cathy hosted a
gathering at Ovation in St. Petersburg for
friends to meet some of those who have been
helped by Ready for Life.
Fran Risser and her husband Bud co-hosted the
event with the Hogans to discuss the resources,
support and hope that is needed by young
adults who are “aging out” of foster care.
Foster care for children is a social welfare program that has
come to the aid of millions of youth. Unfortunately, the
statistics that are available about children who turn 18
years of age and are then “aged out” of the foster care system are
frightening. Sixty-five percent of those children have nowhere
to live, and fifty-one percent are jobless. Fortunately, there are
those who have recognized the problem and have organized
“Ready for Life,” a group whose mission is to engage foster care
Pinellas County Public Defender
Bob Dillinger and his wife Kay understand
the need to assist foster children who are
transitioning into adulthood.
youths, private individuals and public resources to assist Pinellas
County foster childrens transition into adulthood successfully.
Ready for Life connects these youths with those who can provide
support and resources.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Ready for Life is located at Gateway Boulevard,
Suite 200, in Pinellas Park and can be contacted at (727) 631-1778
or www.readyforlifepinellas.org.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 79