New 2020
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
app
opportunity house
pregnant & parenting program
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.
partners
Goldhirsh Foundation/LA 2050
GO Campaign
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
To donate by check please send a check or money order to:
Community Partners FOR:
Stepping Forward LA
P. O. Box 741265
Los Angeles, CA 90074-1265
* Please make sure you write Stepping Forward LA on your check to ensure that your donation is routed to the correct project.