What We Do

Foster Alumni Mentors (FAM) serves any individual (16 years old and up) who has experienced foster care—particularly those who have “aged out” of the foster care system, those who are currently struggling to meet their basic needs, and/or those who are seeking opportunities to stabilize and improve their lives.

Our services are of no cost to participants and are designed to support, prepare and build confidence for foster alumni (Members) as they transition into adulthood and beyond.

One-to-One Support

These one-on-one meetings are geared toward providing individualized support and guidance to members for removing barriers (e.g., housing, budgeting, employment, relationships, education, getting a driver’s license) so they can be successful. Members can ask to work directly with a FAM staff member to discuss their specific needs and develop a plan together for how to address.

FAM Time

These monthly get togethers provide a non-structured opportunity for Members to build natural connections and relationships with others who have similar shared lived experiences. FAM Time is a regularly scheduled activity that may include activities such as paddle boarding classes, barbeques, painting, pottery, ax throwing, potluck dinners and holiday celebrations.

Workshops

These quarterly classes are offered by community members and relate to various “adulting” topics, as requested by Members. Past options have included classes on healthy eating, decluttering your life, home buying, self-care practices, investing, setting healthy boundaries with biological family and automotive education.

Annual Retreats

This full-day event is offered once a year and is designed to support members in learning necessary skills to obtain their dreams and life goals. FAM uses a curriculum designed by and for foster alumni that guides participants through specific exercises and activities while also connecting and having fun.

Empower Yourself Teen Group

This eight-week course is offered during the school year and is available to those currently in foster care or kinship care. The course is designed to help identify their goals, understand themselves better, and set up a support system. Topics include developing healthy relationships, setting boundaries, practicing self-care, learning self-advocacy, and goal-planning for the future.

Messy Buns & Real Talk

This group is for foster alumni moms who are pregnant, parenting, or have adult children. This ongoing community group is focused on supporting each other by building relationships, sharing parenting tips and the fellowship of meeting together in-person. Every other meeting includes kids and activities for parents to do with their child(ren).

Internship Program

This internship program is offered to young adults impacted by foster and kinship care who are ready to build real-world job skills in a supportive environment. Through the Inspired Starfish Internship, participants grow their workforce readiness through three specific goals: 1) practicing customer service and professional communication, 2) learning store operations and cash handling, and 3) processing donations and supporting merchandising. Interested individuals fill out an application and, if selected, commit to a structured 12-week internship experience with coaching and career support as they work toward long-term employment.

Wishes

This opportunity is available through our national partner, One Simple Wish, and supported by FAM staff. For foster alumni who have a desired item/experience or “wish” (e.g., a new pair of shoes, a birthday present for their child, a laptop for school, household items), FAM staff will help them with writing and submitting their application.

Scholarship Fund

This resource provides financial support to prospective and current students. Covered costs may include secondary, graduate, or vocational program tuition; certifications or other professional development; or other education-related tangible items (e.g., books, supplies). Initiated in 2021 and fully funded as an endowment in 2023, the Sylvia Aynn Richards Memorial Scholarship specifically provides resources for students who were in foster care and will be attending Colorado Mesa University. Monies for other programs are also available. To receive funds, an application is required and subject to approval. In addition to the Sylvia Aynn Richards Memorial Scholarship through CMU, FAM has created an internal scholarship fund that will allow those who are not eligible for the Foster Ed scholarship to apply for funds as well as individuals seeking certificates.

Housing

This program focuses on supporting foster alumni with securing and maintaining housing, including limited financial support for deposits or rent assistance. While still under development, FAM is looking to launch its own housing support model to address the needs of those who are recently coming out of foster care and/or have been in foster care. This specifically designed curriculum will teach how to manage money, keep a safe and nurturing home environment, plan healthy meals and shop for food, and other related topics to help keep a steady place to call home.

Food Pantry

In 2024, FAM was approved to become a community partner with Food Bank of the Rockies! Through our partnership, FAM is able to provide wonderful pantry items to our FAM members at no cost to our members. This has been a welcomed addition and we are grateful to provide a much needed resource. Thanks to Food Bank of the Rockies; this institution is an equal opportunity provider. Click HERE to be directed to the USDA non-discrimination policy.

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Hear from Our FAM Members

"FAM has been family when I’ve needed it most."

"Who is FAM? Those willing to hold your hand when you need them the most, even when not related."

"FAM helped me find not only my people, but also myself."

"FAM builds connections with people who have shared experiences and are invested in my success … it is where I am free to be myself without judgement."

"FAM is the connection and love I needed to believe in myself."