You Belong: Foster Youth Initiative (FYI)
Join us as a partner, funder, or advocate to create a future where no young person has to navigate adulthood alone.
OUR RESPONSE
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.
30%
Foster Youth are 30% less likely to graduate high school on time than their peers.
20%
Nearly 20% of foster youth who age out become homeless.
The Foster Youth Empowerment Initiative is more than a program--it's a movement to reimagine how our communities support foster youth.
By leveraging the Y's extensive network, diverse programming, and experience as the Center for Community Well-Being, the YMCA is uniquely positioned to create lasting change in the lives of foster youth across Los Angeles County.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Stability & Support Services +
- 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
Economic Stability & Workforce Development +
- "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
Civic Engagement & Leadership Development +
- 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
Family Support & Long-Term Stability +
- 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
Assemblymember Bryan Office | Change Reaction | Children’s Action Network | DCFS | LA County Department of Public Health | Didi Hirsch | DMH Five Acres | FosterMore | Happy Trails | LA County - Holly Mitchell | LA County - Janice Hahn | LA County - Kathryn Barger | LA County - Lindsey P. Horvath | Mayor's Office | UCLA | UniteUs Weekend Miracles | Coffee with a Cause | Allies for Every Child | LAUSD
