Former Foster Youth Present Monthly Workshops Series

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Social isolation and loneliness has become all too common. Current and former foster youth have been severely affected by the pandemic and online platforms intensifying their anxiety, comfort in staying invisible and not feeling connected to society. We all need to find healthy, on-going activities where we can connect - with ourselves and others, learn new things, step out of our comfort zones and have something to look forward to each month.
The mental health crisis and suicide rates have been increasing since the pandemic.
One study found that roughly 24% of foster youth surveyed had attempted suicide, compared to about 2% of young adults in the general population.
In a survey of youth in and aged out of foster care, 55% reported struggling with depression, anxiety, or both.
Our monthly meetings and workshops would serve as a consistent and healthy community for young adults - and led by young adults - who have also experienced the same struggles.

We will provide monthly workshops led by former foster staff and interns providing a leadership opportunity to the young adults in our professional and personal development internship.
Last month, the Y announced an incredible new initiative to provide free all-access membership for any foster youth between the ages of 12 - 26. They are currently not offering life skills programming to their members who are 18+. We would be partnering with them to encourage foster youth to experience the local Ys while also giving them an opportunity to engage and learn from their peers.
Our pilot will include activities, such as:
Monthly 1st Saturday Events
Tour of the Y
Welcomes and Introductions
Interactive Workshops including financial literacy, health & nutrition, connection to resources, resume support, career skills, college navigation, mock interviews, mental health check-ins, grounding activities, physical activity, peer mentorship, team-building and more
Meet and Greet for bonding and continued conversation
Sign-ups for Y membership and future workshops
All events will provide snacks, raffle prizes and transportation.
We understand that the workshops alone do not address the social isolation, but the consistency of feeling safe, seen and heard can be transformational.

Former foster youth will feel more confident in that they have something to share and will feel more connected with others. They will become leaders and feel a sense of pride in their communities as they become a source of expertise and support for others.
This program will fill a critical gap, giving young adults continued access to structured support, community, and positive development opportunities in local spaces. It’s about services, belonging, purpose, and possibility.
By embedding these peer led workshops in local community spaces, like the Y, the program redefines local resources as spaces of empowerment and youth-centered voices.
Not only the workshop leaders, but also the participants, will take a sense ownership and invite others into this safe, warm, welcoming and inclusive environment that they themselves have helped to create.
By providing these workshops in the Y, more young adults will focus on their physical, mental, spiritual and social wellness.