Mattress retail giant pledges 30 brand new mattresses for youth transitioning out of foster care

(LOS ANGELES) – Most young adults are lucky enough to have parents who support them through their transition into adulthood – whether it’s helping them open a bank account, applying for their first job, or driving them off to college with a car full of necessities. However, for many in foster care, the scenario can play out rather differently, with 1 in 3 who exit foster care in California experiencing homelessness within 24 months.

In an effort to help raise awareness for these Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) on the brink of homelessness, Sit ‘n Sleep has strengthened its commitment to Southern California’s most vulnerable young adults through a partnership with leading non-profit Aspiranet. This year, the mattress giant pledges to donate 30 new mattresses in support of the non-profit’s Transitional Housing plus Foster Care (THP + FC), a state-supportive housing services program.

Beginning this summer, Sit ‘n Sleep will begin distributing mattresses each quarter as Aspiranet identifies THP+FC recipients to join its program and move into new apartments. The mattress retailer anticipates all 30 mattresses will be donated within the fiscal year.

Aspiranet, one of the largest and most innovative non-profits supporting children and families across California, specializes in working with Transitional Aged Youth ages 18-21 in Southern California. Through its THP + FC program, TAY are provided a safe living environment while teaching them life skills that help them become self-sufficient, as well as support for basic needs, emotional support, jobs and education.

“As young people pursing college degrees and careers, the last thing they should be worrying about is whether or not they will have a roof over their head and a bed to sleep on every night. They deserve stability and a comfortable home setting,” said Larry Miller, CEO of Sit ‘n Sleep. I am proud to be part of Aspiranet’s mission to provide these services to these young adults in need.”

Aspiranet and Sit ‘n Sleep first partnered together in 2014 when Miller personally met and donated a mattress to a former foster youth San Bernardino County. The initial meeting inspired Miller to continue his business partnership to ensure young adults have a bed to sleep on every night.

“As a provider of Transitional Aged Youth Services, the funding we receive allows us to meet the basic needs of these former foster youth,” explains Jeannie Imelio, Executive Director for Aspiranet. “This donation allows us to provide enriched opportunities, and goes well beyond what the youth can even imagine for their first home. It helps to create a warm, safe, and well-equipped space for them to start their adult life.”

For more information about fostering with Aspiranet, visit www.aspiranet.org

About Aspiranet

Aspiranet is a 501(c) (3), California nonprofit organization with the mission of providing children, youth, and families with a foundation of support and services so they can succeed at home, at school, and in their communities. Aspiranet offers a unique blend of services including foster family support, adoption through foster care, services for foster youth transitioning to adulthood, mental health services, residential care, intensive home-based care, and community-based family resources. For more than 40 years, Aspiranet has been dedicated to offering outstanding services that impact more than 35,000 children, youth and parents at 33 community-based sites statewide. For more information, visit www.aspiranet.org