Bobby Edd Penson Fund

Focus: Emergency financial assistance for youth aging out of foster care

Geographic Scope: Arizona

Purpose: Designed as a safety net for youth who have aged out of foster care and have no family support system. Assists with emergency expenses to help young adults establish themselves independently.

Background: Created through the extraordinary financial gift of Bobby Edd Penson. Bobby and Mary Ann Penson learned about foster care struggles in 2009 when they began volunteering. Bobby worked as an airplane mechanic for Lockheed, joined the sheet metal union as a journeyman in California (10 years), and later became a contractor building houses. Mary Ann was a teacher for many years. Bobby passed away on April 14, 2016. The fund continues his legacy of supporting foster youth.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Ages 18 to 27 years old
• Currently in foster care OR aged out of foster care in Arizona

What They Fund:

• Automobile expenses: down payments, repairs, driving courses, gas
• Transportation: bus fares and parking passes
• Housing: rent assistance (first and last month's rent, security deposits)
• Utilities: deposits and monthly fees (electric, gas, water, internet connection)
• Education: vocational tuition & fees, graduation expenses
• Living expenses: food, clothing, childcare
• Financial support: financial literacy education and courses
• Employment: job placement assistance

Review Process:

• Youth's current employment and education status reviewed
• Discussion of sustainability plan once funding ends
• Youth must demonstrate how they will sustain requested funding

Contact Information:

• Phone: 602-258-5860
• Email: hope@azhope.com
• Address: 909 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Application Process

How to Apply:

1. Contact Hope & A Future to initiate a request for assistance
   • Phone: 602-258-5860
   • Email: hope@azhope.com
   • Address: 909 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Application Components:

No detailed application form is provided on the website. The process involves:

• Direct contact with Hope & A Future
• Discussion of the youth's specific emergency financial needs
• Review of current employment and education status
• Discussion of sustainability plan for how youth will maintain financial stability once funding ends

What Youth Should Be Prepared to Discuss:

• Type of emergency expense needing assistance
• Current employment status
• Current education/training status
• Plan for financial sustainability after assistance ends
• How the requested assistance will help achieve goals