Matthew MaGuire. Photo courtesy of the Detroit Free Press.

Cheers to the Detroit Free Press for this article on Seita Scholars, a Western Michigan University program that provides support for former foster children who are in college.

WMU social work professor Yvonne Unrau, DSW, was one of the creators of the program. Some of the services Seita provides is keeping dorms open so foster children who do not have family homes to go to during winter break can have a place to stay.

“What they need is someone to help them fill in the gaps,”  Unrau said.

Matthew MaGuire, 21, who was put into foster care at age 14 due to parental neglect, said the program is helping him stay focused on his goals. “This is a chance to start fresh,” he said.

To learn more about how social workers help young people overcome life’s challenges visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Kids & Families Website by clicking here.