Young people aging out of foster care don't lack resilience. They lack a foundation. — Rooted Forward Inc.
Young people aging out of foster care don't lack resilience.They lack a foundation.
Rooted Forward, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) serving foster care alumni ages 17–26 through a proprietary, trauma-informed program built in four-week modules — because a long-term commitment before you have a single reason to trust a program isn't a reasonable ask. Four modules. Four milestones. One question running through all of them: Who AM I — and what am I building? Mental health isn't a separate track here. It runs through every session.
We envision a world where no young adult leaving foster care faces the journey to independence alone. A future where every 18-year-old aging out of the system steps into a network of support, not a void — equipped with the skills, confidence, and community to not just survive, but genuinely thrive.
Our Vision
What We Stand For
The Principles We Live By
These aren't aspirational posters on a wall. They are the operating principles that guide every program decision, every interaction, and every dollar we spend.
Dignity
Every young person who walks through our doors is treated as a whole human being — not a case number, not a statistic. We lead with respect in every interaction.
Belonging
We build real community — not just programming. Our participants find a place where they are known, welcomed, and genuinely valued.
Equity
We recognize that systemic barriers exist and we work actively to dismantle them — ensuring every young adult has access to the resources they deserve.
Resilience
We honor the strength it takes to navigate the world without a safety net. Our programs build on the resilience our participants already carry.
Accountability
We hold ourselves to the highest standard — in our programs, our finances, and our relationships. We do what we say we will do.
Wholeness
We see the full person — mental, emotional, professional, and social. Our approach addresses every dimension of a stable, fulfilling life.
How We Help
Our Programs
Four interconnected pillars designed to address every dimension of a stable, fulfilling life.
Mental Health Support
This curriculum is a mental wellness workshop, not therapeutic. Participants develop self-awareness of trauma responses, coping strategy repertoires, self-advocacy skills in healthcare settings, and the capacity to build and sustain supportive relationships. Facilitators are educators and group leaders, not clinicians. If a youth discloses active trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, or crisis, facilitators follow Rooted Forward's Safeguarding Protocol immediately and contact the clinical supervisor on call. Warm referral to a licensed mental health provider is always available.
Learn moreLife Skills Education
Financial literacy, credit-building strategies, personal budgeting skills; functional knowledge of tenant law, lease interpretation and negotiation, housing application preparation, and emergency housing navigation; navigating the healthcare and educational systems, along with everyday skills no one taught them growing up.
Learn moreCareer Readiness
Participants develop professional documentation (resume, cover letter, LinkedIn), interview skills utilizing evidence-based STAR methodology, post-secondary education navigation, workplace professional competencies, networking skills, and a written 12-month career action plan.
Learn moreMentor Community
Mentors commit to at least one to two years, are paired with youth through interviews, and are trained under all safeguarding policies. Mentors have a foster care or CASA background to provide the stable, consistent relationship many — if not most — youth have not had in the past.
Learn moreWhy This Work Matters
The Voices Behind the Need
"I aged out at 18 and had nobody to call. I had to figure out everything — housing, bills, jobs — completely alone. A program like this would have changed everything for me. I just needed someone in my corner."
Marcus T.
Foster Care Alumni, Age 23
"Nobody teaches you how to deal with the trauma and still show up to work every day. I've been carrying that weight by myself for years. Knowing there's a place that actually gets it — that means more than I can say."
Jasmine R.
Foster Care Alumni, Age 21
"I didn't even know programs like this existed. I spent my first two years out of care just trying not to fall apart. Having a mentor, someone consistent — that's what I needed most and never had."
DeShawn M.
Foster Care Alumni, Age 25
Make a Difference
Why Invest in Rooted Forward
The Cost of Inaction
One youth experiencing homelessness costs Florida taxpayers an estimated $30,000 per year in emergency services, shelter, and crisis response. One youth incarcerated costs over $70,000 per year.
Resilience & Readiness 16-session program cost
$8,370
per cohort of 10 participants
Prevention is not just the right thing to do — it is the economically rational choice.
Our Commitment to You
- 15% or less administrative overhead
- Annual impact report to all donors of $500+
- Quarterly e-newsletter with program updates
- Site visits available for major donors
- Full financial transparency — Form 990 publicly available
- Named giving opportunities for gifts of $10,000+