In a community center in South Minneapolis, long tables were covered with white cloths filled with handwritten notes—small messages of hope, gratitude and memories from young people who have experienced foster care. These words, collected over many years, welcomed everyone arriving for this year’s Friendsgiving celebration hosted by Connections to Independence, a local organization known as C2i.
Just days before Thanksgiving, nearly a hundred young adults, children and staff members gathered to share a warm meal and reconnect with the people who have supported them through some of life’s most difficult transitions. For many, this annual dinner feels less like an event and more like a safe space where they can show up exactly as they are.
C2i works with youth aged 14 to 24 who are in foster care or have recently aged out, guiding them as they step into adulthood. Their Friendsgiving tradition has now stretched across 13 years, offering consistency in lives that often lack it. The turnout continues to grow each year, and organizers say they may soon need a bigger location to fit everyone who wants to be part of the evening.
One of this year’s hosts was Shae Carter, now 32, who once relied on C2i’s programs herself after spending eight years in foster care. She said the dinner means more than a holiday gathering for many in the room—it’s one of the few places where some young people feel embraced during a season that can otherwise highlight loneliness.
Music from popular artists filled the room, kids darted between tables, and adults talked like longtime friends catching up. The atmosphere felt less like a formal dinner and more like a lively family reunion, complete with laughter and the comforting smell of soul food.
For 26-year-old Keegan Herbek, who faced homelessness after aging out of care, returning to Friendsgiving each year is a reminder that he still has a community. He described the evening as a moment where he could count on both a full plate and a sense of belonging.
Alongside the celebration, C2i provided practical support—cozy sweatshirts, winter accessories, hygiene items and even baby supplies for young parents. It reflected the organization’s broader mission, which includes helping youth develop financial skills, focus on wellness and take part in activities that build confidence and connection.
Among the familiar faces was Alexandra Pope, who entered foster care at six years old and has been attending the dinner for more than a decade. She once came because she felt obligated, but now she attends because she truly wants to give back. Although she doesn’t personally celebrate Thanksgiving, she views Friendsgiving as a moment to honor community, growth and the people who helped shape her journey.