New
Initiatives
With your support, we can help even more youth aging out of foster care build the skills, networks, and connections they need to thrive.
life skills mobile app
opportunity house
pregnant & parenting program
THE CHALLENGE
The uncertainty and social isolation produced by the COVID-19 pandemic are especially detrimental to young people without traditional support structures. They need positive, productive outlets for staying connected, learning skills, and staying hopeful about their futures.
WHAT WE'RE DOING
With input directly from youth in our programs, we identified an opportunity to create a platform tailored specifically to their needs. Our new mobile app creates a space for youth to log in – anytime, anywhere – and access high-quality, educational content and a vibrant, supportive community to match.
Former foster youth and volunteers are creating instructional videos to help youth in the system learn life skills, get mental health support, match with mentors, and explore interests during this difficult time and beyond.
THE CHALLENGE
Former foster youth in college have overcome significant barriers to get where they are. This resilience deserves to be matched with access to positive role models, mentors, and networks. Too many youth from foster care miss out on the important connections and social supports that help other youth advance.
WHAT WE'RE DOING
We're partnering with several nonprofit organizations to run a supportive housing program near UCLA for 50 college students who are former foster youth and/or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
We're hosting a variety of enrichment activities, and connecting them to mentors and a supportive community to help them stay in school, graduate, and transition smoothly to life after college.
THE CHALLENGE
Youth in foster care face much higher rates of adolescent pregnancy and parenting than their peers. These young parents need support to manage the demands of parenthood while staying on track with their own goals. Support is also key to prevent their own children entering the system.
WHAT WE'RE DOING
We’re supporting and equipping young
parents with skills through a specialized mentorship program. Young adults are matched with two mentors – a former foster youth peer mentor and an adult volunteer, both with parenting or childcare experience.
With this dual structure, young adults receive emotional support, build their capacity as parents, access vital resources, and develop a success plan.
general support
Funding for technology, furniture, materials, and other essentials keeps us running smoothly and allows us to provide emergency aid and supplies to young adults.
If you prefer to donate by mail, you may send a check or money order to:
Community Partners FOR:
Stepping Forward LA
P. O. Box 741265
Los Angeles, CA 90074-1265
* Please write "Stepping Forward LA" on your check to ensure your donation is routed to the correct project.