Foster Forward

???? Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Foster Forward! ???? This season, we’re thankful for YOU—our incredible community of supporters who help make a difference in the lives of children, teens, and young adults impacted by foster care. Your kindness and generosity bring hope and joy all year long, and we couldn’t be more grateful! ?? Please Note: Our offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28th, and Friday, Nov. 29th so our team can celebrate with their loved ones. We’ll be back on Monday, Dec. 2nd, ready to kick off the holiday season! Wishing you a day filled with love, gratitude, and all the pumpkin pie! ???? #Thanksgiving #GratefulHearts #FosterForward

Last week, Foster Forward partnered with the South Carolina Department of Social Services to lead a learning and professional development opportunity focused on systems capacity building for youth workforce development. A team of our staff and youth leaders worked with 30 individuals from 5 amazing organizations and state agency partners. Through interactive sessions, we shared insights from our Works Wonders? program, supported by the original Administration for Children and Families (ACF) grant and recognized by the Harvard Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation's Innovations in American Government Award. Participants explored strategies for building stronger systems to empower youth as they prepare for the workforce. This on-site experience was full of connection, growth, and collaboration. Next up: virtual training, where we’ll dive deeper into workforce readiness tools and techniques. We’re also excited about the potential for one or more of these organizations to become Works Wonders? replication partners! We’re grateful for the chance to support South Carolina’s efforts to strengthen opportunities for young people—and for the possibility to expand Works Wonders?’ impact even further. ?? GROWING HOME SOUTHEAST, INC., Landmarks for Families, National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP), Helping Hands, Inc., Palmetto Place Children & Youth Services #WorksWonders #YouthWorkforceDevelopment #CapacityBuilding #FosterForward

?? A Heartfelt Thanks to All Who Joined Us for Friendsgiving! ?? This Thanksgiving season, we brought together current and former clients to celebrate community, connection, and gratitude. Our Friendsgiving event was filled with warmth, laughter, and good company as we shared a meal together. A huge thank you to Russell Morin Catering & Events for generously donating the delicious food that made the day so special, and to Lauren Waterson for bringing homemade treats and stunning flower arrangements from 539 Studios. Your contributions truly made the event memorable! We’re so grateful for the opportunity to come together and celebrate the amazing people who make our community so special. ??? #Friendsgiving #Gratitude #CommunityLove #FosterForward #ThankfulGiving Russell Morin

November is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. ?? Did you know? Over half of the U.S. homeless population has spent time in foster care. By age 24, nearly 40% of youth have experienced homelessness after exiting care. About 20% of youth become homeless the moment they age out of foster care. At Foster Forward, we’ve been on a journey to address youth homelessness by providing housing and support through programs like Your Way Home. This program helps young people transition from homelessness to stable, permanent housing with the resources they need to thrive. We’re also working with partners to create more affordable housing, like the Center City Apartments in East Providence, which will include 30 units specifically for youth aging out of foster care. Together, we’re building a future where no young person is left without a safe place to call home. ?? ?? Visit our website to learn more about how you can support this vital work. www.fosterforward.net #NationalHomelessYouthAwarenessMonth #EndYouthHomelessness #FosterForward ??

???? It’s the most wonderful time of the year... to give back! ???? This season, we’re inviting you to be part of something special. Help bring holiday cheer to young people in foster care by getting involved in our Holiday Gifts Campaign. Your generosity can make all the difference for teens, young adults, and children who need it most. Here’s how YOU can help: ?? Gift Cards for Freedom: Your donation gives teens and young adults the opportunity to choose the perfect gift for themselves this holiday season. ?? Adopt a Wishlist: Make someone’s holiday wishes come true by selecting a wishlist from one of our youth. ?? Pajama Drive: Bring warmth and comfort by donating new pajamas during Giving Tuesday (Dec 3rd) at our Pawtucket Storefront! Together, we can make sure every young person feels the love and warmth of the holidays. ?? ?? Get all the details and learn how to make a difference: https://lnkd.in/eeYNjZxw #HolidayGifts #FosterForward #GiveBack #GivingTuesday

?? Big thanks to Ticket to Dream Foundation for donating 160 pairs of Crocs in all sizes! ???? Your generous gift will make our holiday event even more special as we hand them out to the kids and young adults we serve. We appreciate your ongoing support and making the season brighter! ?????? #ThankYou #CommunitySupport #HolidayCheer #FosterForward

???? A huge thank you to Glencore for their ongoing support! This time, they’ve sent us a generous donation of coats, hats, and gloves to help keep our youth warm this winter. We’re so grateful for partners like you who make a difference all year long. Your kindness means the world to us! ??? #CommunityCare #WarmForWinter #FosterForward

It’s that time of year again, and we’re excited to share our 2024 Holiday Fundraising Initiative. As our company approaches our 20th Anniversary in 2025, every year we’ve always made the collective effort to support special causes and people in need within the communities we serve. The last couple of years we’ve gathered gifts for seniors as well as necessities for veterans in need. This year, we are working with Foster Forward, a local organization dedicated to improving the child welfare system, supporting young adolescents and adults who are currently or formerly in the foster care system. Here's how you can help... ?? Come to our event on December 10th at Pawtucket Country Club! https://ow.ly/9ibg50U5zin ?? Share our event on Facebook: https://ow.ly/2e6450U5zik ?? Bring adult sized pairs of pajamas to our event, or drop off at 50 Office Pkwy, East Providence, RI before December 10th. ?? Make a corporate donation by emailing Don Wilson - [email protected] ?? Donate directly to Foster Forward. https://ow.ly/cnZl50U5zii (Please add Province Mortgage Associates in the comment section when donating online.) We truly appreciate your donations and participation! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

??? The Holiday Gifts Campaign is BACK! ??? Help us spread joy to children, teens, and young adults in foster care this season! Your support makes a huge difference in making the holidays special for youth who need it most ?? Here’s how you can get involved: ?? Donate Gift Cards: Your financial gift provides the freedom for teens and young adults to pick out what they need and want this holiday season. ?? Adopt a Wishlist: Choose a wishlist from a young person in foster care and help make their holiday wishes come true. ?? Donate Pajamas: Join us on Giving Tuesday, December 3rd, from 4-8 PM at our Community Storefront in Pawtucket to drop off new pajamas and other cozy essentials! Let’s make sure every young person feels the warmth and joy of the holidays! ?? ?? Learn more and get involved: https://lnkd.in/eeYNjZxw #HolidayGiftsCampaign #SpreadJoy #FosterCareSupport #GivingTuesday #PajamaDrive

In observance of Veterans Day, Foster Forward will be closed today as we honor and thank all the veterans who have served our country ?????????? We are grateful for your sacrifice and dedication. #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #FosterForward