Foster Youth Initiative

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), is implementing a comprehensive, data-driven initiative to transform outcomes for foster youth ages 12-26 across Los Angeles County.

Through a network of programs and strategic partnerships, the You Belong: Foster Youth Initiative provides wraparound services designed to help youth build stability, skills, and confidence to transition successfully into adulthood.

The Need

In Los Angeles County alone, over 25,000 youth are in the foster system or have recently “aged out.” Too often, children from foster care lag behind their peers and miss out on basic opportunities to thrive in school, work, and life. Through connection, relationships, and access, we can mend the divide.

Each year, thousands of foster youth in Los Angeles age out of care without a safety net–no stable housing, financial security, or family to rely on. Up to 46% of transitional-age youth exiting foster care face homelessness, unemployment, justice system involvement, and unaddressed mental health challenges by age 26.

20%

Nearly 20% of foster youth who age out become homeless.

30%

Foster Youth are 30% less likely to graduate high school on time than their peers.

Join the Movement

Every foster youth deserves the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and empowered. The YMCA is committed to walking alongside youth and families as they build lives of stability and purpose.

Join us as a partner, funder, or advocate–and help create a future where no young person has to navigate adulthood alone.

Please email the Y at FYImembership@ymcaLA.org or contact your case manager to learn more today!

Program Highlights

Free Y membership for all foster youth ages 12-26, providing safe spaces and a sense of community
Dedicated drop-in centers for transitional-age youth offering safe spaces with resources, support, and community
All Y centers serve as family visitation sites, creating warm, welcoming environments for family connections
Evidence-based resilience programs explicitly designed to help youth process trauma and build coping skills
Wraparound case management from Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
Housing referrals, transportation support, and basic needs assistance through strategic community partnerships
Digital literacy and technology access to bridge the digital divide

“Pathways to Belonging” – An 8-week intensive curriculum meeting three times weekly for youth ages 18-26
Focuses on healthy living, civic engagement, character development, economic stability, and education equity
Individualized support through case management and mentorship
Hands-on activities in physical fitness, mental health awareness, financial literacy, and leadership
Paid job training, internships, and placement opportunities with employer partners
Financial literacy workshops and career exploration activities

Youth Advisory Boards to elevate foster youth voices in program decision-making
Voter education and advocacy training to strengthen civic participation
Community volunteerism opportunities that develop service mindsets while building valuable skills
Leadership development through Model UN, Model Legislature, and community service projects

Pilot Resource Parent Inclusion Program extending free Y memberships to resource parents in high-need areas:
- Weingart Wellness YMCA and Aquatic Center (South LA)
- Antelope Valley Family YMCA
Comprehensive tracking of household engagement patterns
Comparative analysis between household-wide access versus youth-only access
Peer support groups for both youth and resource parents to build community and share experiences
Evidence-based parenting classes to strengthen family relationships and develop practical parenting skills
Family respite camps focused on healing, bonding, and community building
Long-term engagement through monthly check-ins, quarterly workshops, and an annual summit

Our Unique Role

As a Provider

Implementing specialized programming for foster youth
Offering free access to YMCA facilities and resources
Leveraging existing YMCA programming to support entire families
Providing trauma-informed care across all foster youth programs

As a Convener

Establishing the Foster Youth Empowerment Advisory Task Force
Creating a collaborative network of organizations serving foster youth
Facilitating sharing of best practices among service providers

As A Connector

Developing strategic partnerships across various sectors
Creating a centralized resource hub for foster youth and caregivers
Connecting youth and families to essential services
Establishing mentorship programs with community leaders

Expected Outcomes

Increased high school graduation rates and college enrollment
Improved physical and mental health for foster youth and families
Enhanced civic engagement and leadership skills
Increased financial literacy and career readiness
Reduced homelessness rates and risky behaviors among participants
Data-driven insights from pilot programs to inform future expansion
Stronger, more resilient family units

Our Partners