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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This group is for foster alumni 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).
This year-long program is offered to foster alumni who have been a Member for at least one year. Becoming a FAMbassador includes the opportunity for Members to build their leadership through three specific goals: 1) practicing public speaking, 2) planning and putting on an event, and 3) creating and implementing an idea. Interested Members fill out an application and if selected, commit to one year of participation and receive a monthly stipend.
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.
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.
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.
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