You aren’t alone if you’ve never considered what happens to foster kids when they turn 18. Each state’s laws are different, but even if a student is still in high school, many foster kids are ineligible to remain in their group home. If they’re with a foster family, the state may stop paying, and many foster families don’t let them stay on. If extended support is offered by the state, transitioning out of foster care presents unique challenges when support ends. We’re here to help.
Did You Know?
- More than 23,000 kids age out of the foster care system each year.
- Of these 23,000, 20% become instantly homeless at the age of 18.
- Of these 23,000, only 50% will graduate from high school.
- Only 1 in 10 will go to college, compared to 6 in 10 of non-foster kids.
- Lifelong, they will statistically make less money than their peers.
If available in their state, those eligible for extended foster care typically age out between the ages of 20 and 22. They need to meet requirements, such as being enrolled in high school, vocational school, college, or having a qualified disability to be eligible for extended support.
Were you ready to do it all at 18? Although most foster kids have experienced realities of life that adults twice their age have never seen.
Many foster kids drop out of high school to seek employment so that they can pay rent and take on the full costs of living. If they have yet to graduate from high school, their employment options are limited. They’re left with minimum wage employment, often without full-time hours or benefits. This is why so many end up homeless. If not homeless, living at or below the poverty line.
Thankfully, an increasing number of states are making strides to improve the broken foster care system. This includes increasing post-age-out vocational training and extended support through the age of 20 to 22.
These vulnerable youth already had a tough start to life, they deserve more!
Who We Are?
“We rise by lifting others” Robert Ingersol
From Foster Care With A Purpose is a Not-For-Profit organization that provides foster care support for these young adults. The services we offer are strategically designed to provide small but impactful resources and services.
Our Founder Natasha Jordan is a former foster child turned serial entrepreneur. So, she knows the system from the inside as both a child and an adult who’s dedicated her life to Community Health and Human Services.
How We Help?
To help young adults transitioning out of foster care, we provide a variety of services and support:
Life Skills Training
All of the youth we serve have access to our training programs. These programs were curated specifically with the unique needs of our risk demographic.
This includes:
- Our enrichment program for at-risk youth.
- Entrepreneurial and small business training.
- Daily life and living skills training.
For all:
Those who’ve aged out or are in extended foster care programs have access to:
- Haircare services, shoes, and clothing.
- High school, college, and vocational school supplies.
- Mentorship and internship opportunities in the beauty industry.
- Professional life and entrepreneurial coaching.
Intellectually Disabled
Even with a disability, these young adults can and will change the world! We provide additional support, including:
- Hair care services, shoes, and clothing.
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Birthday, holiday, and graduation gifts/donations.
For Those in Residential Facilities
Transitioning out of foster care is expensive. These young adults are starting from scratch, so we collaborate with safe housing organizations to provide:
- Household supplies
- Home furnishings
- Mechanical services
- Electronic items
- Day-to-day essentials
Wondering How to Help Foster Kids?
Now that you understand the alarming statistics, you may be wondering what you can do to help. With our program, it’s easy!
You can help us uplift those transitioning out of foster care by:
- Volunteering—we require hands-on help by way of mentors and advisors who can help us grow and expand our reach. Also, to help the youth we serve grow into valuable community members.
- Providing charitable donations—we’re proud to say that a full 82% of all cash donations go directly to the youth we serve. The remaining 12% is required for our day-to-day operations.
- Providing tangible donations—we welcome donations including bus passes, hygiene products, gift cards to department stores, grocery stores, restaurants, office supply stores, and donations of other gifts and essential items.
Reach Out to Learn More!
Children are our future, but 18 is too young to go it alone. Help us provide life-changing foster care support to nationwide youth by partnering with From Foster Care With A Purpose.