New 2020

Initiatives

the challenge

The uncertainty and social isolation produced by the COVID-19 pandemic are hitting young people hard – especially those without traditional support structures – making it

even more difficult to stay positive and productive. As we all turn increasingly to

online spaces, our team – with input directly from the youth in our programs – identified

an opportunity to create a positive platform tailored specifically to their needs.

what we're doing

Through a new app, we're providing current

and former foster youth with high-quality, educational content and a vibrant online community to match. Former foster youth 

and adult volunteers in our network are

creating short-form instructional videos to

help youth still in the system learn important

life skills, receive emotional and mental

health support, explore interests, and gain

new experiences during this difficult time

and beyond.

partners

Errol Spiro

Sackler Family Foundation​

Cathy Deely

the challenge

Former foster youth in college have overcome significant barriers to get where they are.

This resilience deserves to be met with 

positive role models, mentors, and networks, which youth in foster care have too often missed out on. As they continue to advance

in their educational, career, and personal pursuits, a supportive community can help

them stay in school, graduate, and transition smoothly to life after college.

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 connecting them to resources and mentors, and hosting a variety of enrichment activities, to foster a community in which they can learn, grow, and thrive.

the challenge

Youth in foster care face significantly higher rates of adolescent pregnancy and parenting than their peers. Young parents need

support to manage the complex demands

of parenthood while pursuing their own

goals and staying on track in their education and career. This kind of support is also

crucial to prevent the cycle of children of former foster youth from 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, develop a social support system, and access healthy food, housing,

and other vital resources.

​

partners

Dana and Steve Sigoloff