Warm Support for Strong Independence

Samsung Stepping Stone of Hope is a public-private partnership program that provides living space and tailored education for youth preparing to be self-reliant.

Stepping Stone of Hope started with ideas and donations from Samsung executives and employees in 2013. By 2022, the program has provided support to a total of 16,760 youth in various ways, and the 10th stepping stone of hope was placed through the opening of the Jeonnam Center in February 2023.

The first step toward society

The average age for children staying in child welfare facilities or foster homes to step into society is 18 years old. Although the system was changed so that children could stay under protection until the age of 24, it is still difficult to become self-reliant with a mere eight to nine million Korean Won of state-sponsored settlement fund.

Shin Ji-soo (pseudonym), who participated in the Samsung Stepping Stone of Hope program, recalled the frustration of becoming self-reliant: “Everything around me had changed, but I was still so lost.” She added, “Over anything, the financial aspect was the biggest challenge. The thought of having no one to trust and depend on in the future made me feel lonely and frustrated.”

The warmest support

To help with the unfamiliar and frightening challenge of taking the first step, Samsung Stepping Stone of Hope provides youth facing independence with not only a living space, but also various tailored programs. These programs include life education classes such as cooking and lease agreements, as well as career and employment counseling, living expense support, and mentoring. Ji-soo said, “It was a huge help because I could visit any time I needed guidance, and there was also a nice space to relax.”