In 2014, at just 16 years old, Akron student Maria Paparella was moved by a question: What happens to foster kids when they turn 18 and lose state support?

Wanting to help, she approached Summit County Children Services with a plan to furnish apartments for young adults aging out of foster care as part of her senior project. At first, Paparella hoped to furnish three apartments—within a year, that number turned into 30.

From there, what began as a small outreach project quickly evolved into Chair-ity, Paparella’s nonprofit organization now in its 10th year. To date, it has furnished over 700 homes—an effort that typically costs $4,000 per apartment, according to Chair-ity— at no cost to former foster youth.

Chair-ity delivers more than just furniture, it delivers hopeThis year alone, the organization has furnished 152 homes across six Northeast Ohio counties, including Cuyahoga.

“Most nonprofits don't make it past year six,” says Chair-ity program manager Jaz Robinson. “So, we're proud of making it to 10. It's a big milestone!”

To celebrate, Chair-ity will host a 10th anniversary casino night and fundraiser this Friday, Nov. 15 at Gordon Green, 5400 Detroit Ave., in an historic building in the Detroit Shoreway.

The event will feature casino games, a flair bartender, catering by Ben Bebenroth’s Spice Catering Co., raffles, and a silent auction with prizes ranging from local dining experiences and event tickets to travel packages.

Those unable to attend can still participate by bidding on prizes virtually, with all proceeds directly supporting Chair-ity’s mission.

"We’re trying to make it as flamboyantly fun as possible," Robinson adds, noting that individual tickets are still available on the event website.

A sense of dignity

Chair-ity’s impact has grown steadily over the last decade, with a marked increase in young adults served over the past two years. Initially, the organization only provided furniture for young adults who had formally “aged out” from foster care. But, after listening to feedback from clients and community partners, Chair-ity broadened its eligibility requirements.

Now, the organization serves any young adult referred through its website who has spent significant time in foster care and is transitioning to independent living without family support.

“The only real requirement,” says Robinson, “is that they’ve had significant time in care and genuinely need the furniture.”

Chair-ity encourages referrals from social workers and community organizations, because Robinson says these young adults often need additional support systems to help them maintain housing and retain their furniture long-term. However, she says they do accept self-referred clients and those recommended by outside organizations.

Robinson, herself a foster parent, understands the importance of first establishing trust with every young adult served and listening to their needs—a key value of Chair-ity’s work.

“Many of them have learned that they have to do everything on their own, that they can’t trust anyone to help them,” she explains. “We want to show them that there are people and organizations willing to help—and that we follow through on what we promise.”

This year, Robinson says, Chair-ity is furnishing homes for an average of three to four individuals each week.

Chair-ity family enjoying their new living roomChair-ity operates by relying on area residents to donate quality, donated furniture and household goods, with weekly pickups available in Cuyahoga and Summit Counties.

To make sure the new residents have a sense of dignity and pride in their spaces, Chair-ity is selective about the items it accepts.

“We’re not a junk removal service; we want these young people to feel proud of their space,” Robinson says. “If I wouldn’t put it in my own home, I’m not going to give it to one of these kids.”

While most items are donated, Robinson adds, “We buy beds brand new because we think these young adults deserve new beds.”

Once referred, each recipient is paired with a design volunteer who helps the new tenants select items from Chair-ity’s virtual inventory. “The choice aspect is something we’re really proud of,” Robinson says. “For a lot of them, it’s the first time they’ve ever gotten to choose furniture for their space and make it their own from start to finish.”

Furniture is typically delivered within one week of the referral, Robinson notes, to ensure that recipients receive support as quickly as possible. “If they need a bed, we don’t want them sleeping on the floor any longer than necessary,” she adds.

Resounding impact

For many young adults lacking financial stability or family support, receiving a fully furnished home through Chair-ity is transformative. This support is especially impactful for young parents, who make up nearly half of this year’s recipients, Robinson notes.

Research shows that nearly 70% of women who age out of foster care become mothers by age 21, and stable housing with essential furnishings—like a bed, table, and other basics—is often required to meet child welfare standards for family reunification when children are in, or at risk of entering, the foster system.

“For some, just having a bed can truly change the trajectory of their life by helping them get their kids back,” Robinson says.

“It really pulls at my heartstrings to see these young parents moving into their own apartments,” she continues. “Their focus is their kids, and hopefully, by giving them furniture and setting up their home life, we’re helping to break the foster cycle, which tends to be generational—what you see is what you know, and what you grew up with is what you tend to replicate unless something comes in to change that.”

Chair-ity’s services also address broader needs for young adults transitioning out of foster care. Statistics show that only one out of two former foster youth secure stable employment by age 24; and less than 3% earn a college degree.

Simply having a place to call home, with basics like a bed to improve sleep quality, can improve outcomes by inspiring self-worth and self-esteem, responsibility, and pride.

Delivery day for a Chair-ity recipient“That transition from childhood to adulthood—you need help as it is,” Robinson says. “But being in the foster care system is added trauma, even if it’s smooth sailing.”

Chair-ity’s mission has a dual impact: While the organization provides furniture to those in need, it also allows donors the satisfaction of knowing they are making a difference with their donations.

“We often hear that people are just so happy their furniture gets to do something meaningful, rather than ending up in the trash,” Robinson shares.

Additionally, there are environmental benefits—last year alone, the nonprofit kept 22.8 tons of furniture out of the landfill.

Robinson says there are multiple ways to get involved—through volunteering, furniture or monetary donations, or purchases from the organization’s Amazon Wishlist. More information is available on Chair-ity’s website.

She stresses the fact that the impact stretches far beyond the material items.

“Young adults who go through foster care don’t have a strong support system,” Robinson explains. “When they age out without being adopted or reunited with family, they’re often entirely on their own. Just knowing that there are people and organizations out there who genuinely want to help can make a world of difference.”