What is The THRIVE Project?

THRIVE is more than just a mentorship program—it’s a lifeline for youth transitioning out of foster care. THRIVE puts transition-age youth in the driver’s seat of their lives with a qualified Mentor by their side to help them identify and achieve goals.

Every week, our mentors are just a text, call, or email away, offering unwavering support and guidance during one of life’s most challenging transitions.

From finding safe housing and securing education or employment to building strong, healthy relationships, our program is designed to help young people thrive, not just survive.

How is THRIVE different?

BEST PRACTICES

Continuous development of mentors personal skills to ensure the best practices and interventions are given to mentees to lead towards better progress and accountability.

ACTION ORIENTED

An action based approach that focuses on learning through real-life experiences to help youth achieve goals faster and efficiently.

ENGAGEMENT

High-intensity engagement — in
person, and/or weekly meetings with a
THRIVE mentor - available 24/7.

LASTING IMPACT

Providing opportunities to build skills,
confidence and a network of
support.

Make a career out of changing lives!

Do you share our passion for helping our youth live successfully? We’ve got a place for you.

Apply to be a mentor today!

Why is The THRIVE Project needed?

Young people aging out of foster care have so much potential, but without family support, many transition-age foster youth struggle to meet even basic adult needs and expectations.

Some statistics:

  • Homelessness: Around 20% of youth who age out of foster care will become instantly homeless upon leaving the system. Within four years, nearly 50% will experience homelessness.
    Source: National Foster Youth Institute (NFYI)

  • Unemployment: Less than 50% of former foster youth are employed by the age of 24.
    Source: Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative, "Foster Youth and the Road to Independence"

  • Educational Attainment: Fewer than 3% of foster youth who age out earn a college degree, compared to 28% of the general population.
    Source: Casey Family Programs, "Aging Out: Foster Youth Outcomes"

  • Mental Health: Over 60% of youth aging out of foster care struggle with mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
    Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

  • Pregnancy Rates: By age 21, approximately 71% of young women aging out of foster care will become pregnant, often without sufficient support systems to navigate parenthood.
    Source: National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD)