Uniting our collective power

Education. We know 85% of youth in foster care want to go to college, but only 20% enroll and less than 1% graduate. On average, foster children graduate from high school at a seventh grade reading level. 

Learn more about ACC’s foster care student program here.

• ACC offers many certification programs and life skills development programs. 
• Foster care alumni are eligible to receive financial and other support. 
• Contact an ACC Campus Champion today!

Life Skills. We know afterschool programs are a proven dropout prevention strategy, may also increase graduation rates and postsecondary enrollment and offer opportunities to develop life skills.

Learn more about the local clubs here.

• 25 clubs across the Austin metro area for kids 6-18.
• Low-cost enrollment fee and financial assistance available.
• Offers one of the few options in Austin for middle school after school care.

Health. Experiencing multiple traumatic childhood events – being removed from family – and toxic stress are determinants of lifelong disparities in physical and mental health. Access to high-quality, trauma-informed, integrated health care is critical.

Learn more about Dell Children’s programs here

• Comprehensive, child-focused healthcare services.
• Simply Safety Store sells affordable safety gear – from car seats and
  life jackets to portable cribs, childproof locks, bike helmets and more!
• Financial assistance/sliding scale available on car seats.

Vocation. Poverty is a strong predictor of child abuse and neglect. Although children from all socioeconomic levels are at risk, those living in families with an annual income less than $15,000 are 22 times more likely to be abused or neglected than children in families earning more than $30,000. We also know families are less likely to abuse or neglect children when the mother has earned her high school diploma, and that only half of youth in foster care graduate high school by age 18.

Learn more about Goodwill here.

• Excel Center helps ages 17-50 get a high school diploma.
• Job training and placement services.
• Stores sell clothing, baby gear, furniture and more – at discounted prices.

Health. Children of parents with substance abuse disorders are 3 times more likely to be abused and 4 times more likely to be neglected, making it essential to have a holistic approach to treatment and recovery options that incorporate family services. 

Learn more about Phoenix House here.

• Residential drug/alcohol and co-occurring mental health disorder treatment services for boys and girls ages 13-17.
• Outpatient treatment with individual, group and family counseling for teens struggling with drug/alcohol abuse.

Health. Child maltreatment is linked to higher Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, and other health risks.

Learn more about Austin area YMCA’s here.

• Nine locations across the Austin metro area offering sports, camps, childcare, community education, and more.
• Foster families are eligible to apply for financial assistance (based on individual locations).
• Join their team! The Y is hiring, with lots of flexible part-time opportunities!

Foster care placement is 34 times higher for families experiencing homelessness than the general population of same aged children. Staggeringly, more than 1 in 5 youth who age out of foster care will become homeless after 18. 

Learn more about Foundation Communities here.

Safety. Foundation Communities provides:

• Safe, affordable housing for families for individuals and at-risk/homeless families.
• Case management and support in the areas of education, financial stability and health.
• A limited number of apartments for youth aging out of the foster care system in Upbring’s BeREAL program.