By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The Washington County Community Foundation recently awarded Home Stretch Foundation a $6000 grant.

Home Stretch Foundation is a grassroots program started by president and founder Maria Burks. She has 45 years experience as a licensed professional counselor.

The program is a bridge for young adults to have a smooth transition into a successful adult life. The organization will match a high school student who is at least 18 years old into a host home that will see them through graduation and into adulthood.

Each student will take a skills assessment test. The host family and student will fill out applications.

This is a short-term placement for students that may be at risk to not graduate because of their home environment or other road blocks leading to a high school diploma.

The host family will provide a stable, loving, safe and accepting home environment.

The organization is presently active at the West Washington school district. Plans are to cover all high schools in the area.

More information can be obtained by visiting the new website Homestretch-foundation.org/contact.