What drives us
All young adults finishing high school and heading out into the world need support. For emancipating foster youth, Forward Steps provides that support. We know that for our participants, we are helping to break their cycle of dependency on social support which in turn prevents more chronic outcomes such as increased crime, homelessness and mental health issues. But we do so much more. We create potential and opportunities. We provide hope and a chance to dream. It is what drives us.
Homeless for at least one day
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Life after foster care
A young adult leaving the foster care system in Colorado has a 25% chance of spending at least one day homeless in their first year of independence. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, in some areas of the country, as many as 60% of homeless people have a foster care history.
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Life with Forward Steps
Forward Steps provides housing and a monthly stipend until participants can demonstrate an ability to manage the responsibility themselves.
Only 2.7% earn a degree
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Life after foster care
Though 70% of students in foster care want to attend college, only 20% have the means to do so once they leave the program, and only 2.7% earn a degree by the time they are 27 years old.
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Life with Forward Steps
Forward Steps helps with course selection, researching financial aid options, tutoring and overall support and encouragement. Education options (4-year degree, community college, tech school) are aligned with the goals and needs of each student.
50% unemployed
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Life after foster care
Within the first year of leaving foster care, 33% require public assistance and 50% are unemployed.
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Life with Forward Steps
Forward Steps provides job search assistance and guides participants with future career choices. Obtaining and maintaining a part-time job is a big part of the program.
Dependent on social programs
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Life after foster care
The system often produces young adults who continue their dependence on social programs, perpetuate their situation through poor decision making and do not have the resources or life skills to improve their lives through education. Clearly, when this happens, the system isn’t working.
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Life with Forward Steps
In addition to the financial support Forward Steps provides, we offer real life skills training, from balancing a check book and paying rent to cooking a meal and shopping on a budget. We also support cultural experiences so our young adults have fun, with a purpose. Finally, participants work with a trained professional providing both individual and group support as they transition into adulthood and independence.
Consider these scenarios facing emancipating foster youth. If it drives you to want to help as well, there are many ways to do so.