"Developing solutions to build a better future for foster and orphan children"

There are thousands of children who exit the foster care system without permanent families. These youth are at a high risk for homelessness, joblessness, illness, early childbearing, welfare dependency, sexual and physical victimization, and incarceration.  The Aging Out Program strives to assist these youth with job placement, college applications, and education along with resources to help make the transition from group homes and foster care to independent living as smooth as possible.

Almost every year since 2014, the Foundation's Executive Director, Jennifer Carroll, has attended a speaking engagement at the Optimist Youth Group Home and discussed the importance of higher education. During her visits she emphasized the 2Rs essential for success, especially for youth experiencing turmoil at a young age: resilience and resourcefulness.

Most of the girls at the group home are preparing to "age out" of the foster care system and transition into independent living. 

Many children are taken from their homes and their families in the middle of night with nothing more than a trash bag containing all of their belongings. We provide children with duffle bags, blankets, hygiene kits, and items of comfort.  We have Back-to-School supply drives and coat drives to lessen the burden on foster parents and to help children in group homes.