u/RosieFairyLights

Hi my friends!

My name's Jessica! I am a former foster youth, and currently serve as a Los Angeles Youth Commissioner, am an active part of the Los Angeles Chapter of NFYI, and have kickstarted a really exciting organization and program that I really wanted to share with you all!

I founded Bridge to Belonging because I know how difficult it is to access resources as a former foster youth, especially with age caps most often at 21, 24, and 26 (at least that's true for most Los Angeles organizations). We will offer housing assistance, transportation assistance, bill and utility assistance, help to pregnant and mothering youth, linkage to resources for DV/IPV/SA survivors, all with no age caps. Being a former foster youth often makes it hard to have folks to rely on, whether it be due to trust issues or lack of familial support, and I wanted to bridge that gap and create community!

Something I'm really excited about is our 100% lived expert ran mentorship program! There's a portion for current foster youth ages 13-17, and a seperate portion for former foster youth! The mentors all have lived experience in foster care, and it is completely free and ongoing!

I wanted to extend this olive branch and offer the program to any California current/former foster youth who could use some guidance, support, and encouragement! If you're not in California, I may still be able to work something out too :) we do plan on being a national program eventually! And my biggest thing is not wanting to say no to any system impacted individual who simply needs community.

Please feel free to ask any questions, leave a bit of encouragement for me/your peers, or let me know if you're interested in receiving services! (If you're in Los Angeles, we're also still actively recruiting mentors this and next week!)

Thank you for listening, I appreciate you all!

Hi everyone!

I hope you're all having a great week so far! I am a former foster youth, Los Angeles Youth Commissioner, and the founder and Executive Director of Bridge to Belonging! The nonprofit exists to serve current and former foster youth in a number of areas, including (but not limited to) peer mentoring, housing assistance, bill & utility assistance, job readiness, education assistance, SA/DV survivor support and case management for system impacted youth, community events, and so much more!

We are hosting our first ever event, a community fundraising brunch at Neighbors and Friends Kitchen in Pasadena! I wanted to share the invitation with you all in case our mission resonates with you! There will be community leaders, speakers, gifts, raffles, complimentary food and refreshments, and I really think it will be wonderful!

P.S. ticket fees go directly to the nonprofit, but can be waived if you need - even though it is a fundraising event, our main focus truly is community building!

ALSO: our mentorship program has just gone live, so if you know of a current or former foster youth who could use a mentor who has lived experience in foster care, please let me know if you'd be interested!

I really hope to see you there!

(Was going to attach flyer but am not allowed to it says, so please feel free to go to my page and check out the flyer!!! Or @bridgetobelonging.la on instagram!)

:) thanks everyone for all that you do!

Hi everyone!

I am kickstarting the nonprofit Bridge to Belonging! This nonprofit will focus on bringing sustainable change to folks impacted by foster care. This will look like --

☆ A free mentorship program ran by LIVED EXPERTS for current and former foster youth ages 13-18 and 18-30

☆ A program specifically meant for ages 30-39

☆ Inspired by the nonprofit I tested the waters with last year, the "Open Closet Project" will be an appointment only shopping experience (for free) for youth to shop for clothes, toiletries, household items, school supplies, etc. All gender and character affirming, of course!

☆ A Survivor Case Manager which will be a resource for mentors to refer folks who share they have experienced DV, IPV, and/or SA so that the case manager can refer and link them to outside resources to help them achieve healing and reclaim their life!

☆ When funding allows, we will help current and former foster youth secure an apartment and furnish it, while helping them create and maintain a budget (sustainability aspect) so they can maintain their home on their own

☆ When funding allows, we will be willing and able to provide rental assistance, transportation assistance, helping with attaining reliable transportation, and etc (such as gift cards to grocery stores, help getting school supplies, etc.)

☆ Community events (think book clubs, brunches, lake and beach days, etc.) to help build and sustain a support network and community for youth

☆ Linkage to outside resources (therapy, SUD help, homeless services, etc.)

☆ Career coaching and job readiness

And more to come!

A big part of the nonprofit is employing lived experts and not having age caps. Of course, certain programs may cater towards youth while others cater towards adults, but we will have something for everyone who experienced foster care!

If you have the capacity - and it is absolutely okay if you don't - any donation would be greatly appreciated and will help us truly get this ball rolling!

(P.S. please wish me luck with my meeting with a potential fiscal sponsor next week!!)

Thank you for your support!!! The link to donate is in my bio but I will also comment it!