Foundation investments in non-traditional family supports and school experiences can encourage youth to find their unrecognized potential and to dream of being future leaders.

Domus Foundation’s Family Advocates Program, which provides trained adults to work one-on-one with struggling students and their families to address barriers to learning and behavioral issues

Alex, an angry 6th grader, entered Trailblazers Academy Middle School, a Domus charter school, after a bad experience in elementary school. His Family Advocate followed him closely and helped him to feel supported and to stay on track. After three successful years at Trailblazers, Alex went on to attend a large comprehensive high school during his freshman year, where he did not have support. Despite his dream of college, without his Family Advocate, Alex did not take school seriously or do well. He entered Stamford Academy, Domus’ charter high school, in 10th grade. He had a rocky start, was defiant and soon found himself serving weekly detentions. The Family Advocate provided firm and consistent support to Alex and joined him and his mother at school conferences. During the final months of his senior year, Alex could be found studying, doing extra credit work and helping teachers and fellow classmates. He also took on extra projects to better the school, such as painting and cleaning.

Alex entered Kentucky State University in Fall 2008. He credits the Family Advocates for helping him to be successful. Alex says, “The people at Domus don’t give up on you. They were always staying on my case and definitely helped to change me.”