The Facts

Close to one-third (29%) of home­less youth and young adults have spent time in fos­ter care, accord­ing to a Chapin Hall study. Some esti­mates are even higher.

One in four youth in fos­ter care at age 17 and sur­veyed at age 21 said that they had been home­less at some point in the last two years.

One in five (20%) youth who were in fos­ter care at 17 and sur­veyed at age 21 had not yet earned an edu­ca­tion­al degree, voca­tion­al cer­tifi­cate or license of any kind, accord­ing to the KIDS COUNT® Data Cen­ter.

What Are the Effects of Youth Who Age Out of Fos­ter Care?

The transition into adulthood is a big step for any young person. But for youth who have aged out of foster care, that step often happens without the steady presence of family or the safety net they once relied on. Instead of being guided, many are expected to figure it out alone.

The road forward can feel uncertain and heavy. Young people leaving foster care face higher barriers to stability, health, and opportunity than their peers — not because they lack potential, but because they lack consistent support. Too often, they are navigating adulthood without the tools, relationships, or confidence they deserve. Difficulties include:

  • Hous­ing instability

  • Job­less­ness

  • Aca­d­e­m­ic difficulties

  • Ear­ly par­ent­hood

  • Sub­stance use

Our program helps participants:

  • Create lasting community and relationship

  • Be informed of all existing resources youth are eligible for such as: tuition waivers, finan­cial aid options, and housing assistance based on their involve­ment in fos­ter care

  • Learn valuable life skills, such as financial tools, mental health practices and fundamental life skills

  • Explore var­i­ous edu­ca­tion­al opportunities or careers

  • Col­lect and orga­nize per­son­al doc­u­ments, such as a Social Secu­ri­ty card, birth cer­tifi­cate, cit­i­zen­ship papers and school transcripts

  • Participate in group activ­i­ties with oth­er youth who share their expe­ri­ences and interests

  • Opportunities for world travel to expand views

Our Mission

We offer connection, trustworthy guidance, consistency, and compassion to create a strong foundation for foster youth transitioning to adulthood. Through accountability to a local community of supporters, participants have the opportunity to strategize a game plan and take practical steps towards their individual goals. Demonstrated effort, sustained progress, and personal growth earn them a travel ticket for a life-changing world adventure, followed by ongoing support and a hand-up as they return and embark on their next adventure.