SAN ANTONIO (KABB/WOAI) - Young adults who have aged out of the foster care system have more options to help them recover from financial strain caused by the pandemic.
Rosemary McGarity is 21-years-old now, but she spent several months in foster care until she aged out of the system three years ago.
"When aging out of foster care it did become a little difficult starting off with getting my own apartment and trying to find new work," says Rosemary. "You're getting on your feet and doing things at the age of 18 that most 18-year-olds aren't even doing, but needing to do in order to live."
That's where the Department of Family and Protective Services steps in.
The Department realizes that finding your footing after being in foster care isn't easy, especially since the pandemic has taken a toll on many people's finances.
"It makes us excited to be able to help them because we know it’s difficult to not have a job or just have limited resources at this time," says Kasandra Link-Charles, with the Department of Family and Protective Services.
There are two programs: one in which a former fostered young adult is paired with what's called a Preparation for Adult Living specialist.
The specialist works with them to pinpoint what their immediate needs are and how much money they need.
Federal pandemic funds go directly to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to assist those young adults ages 18-26.
More funds are being allotted to the program after September 30 and there's no deadline to sign up.
"They help me out with rent, they help me with groceries, make sure that I have food on my table and a roof over my head," says Rosemary.
The other option is PanAid, that's for former foster care adults ages 18-26.
Those funds come from community distribution partners and eligible young adults can receive up to $1,000.
That deadline is next week, September 15.
"It’s really important that our young adults have those funds to take care of themselves become more self-sufficient and independent," says Link-Charles.
To apply for federal funds from DFPS, click here.
To apply for PanAid by September 15, click here.