May is National Foster Care Awareness Month
National Foster Care Statistics
A Closer Look at the Numbers
There are over 390,000 children and youth in foster care
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau
In New York City alone, there are hundreds of kids currently awaiting adoption, with 600-700 kids on the verge of aging out. That’s why YGB finds permanent families for young adults, teens, and pre-teens who are most in danger of aging out of the system alone:
SOLUTION
Connection to a permanent family is possible for all foster youth!
At You Gotta Believe, we focus exclusively on finding permanent parents and families for older kids in the foster care system
IMPACT
- 47% less likely to be homeless
- 50% less likely to be arrested
- 23% more likely to finish high school
- 50% more likely to pursue college/post-secondary education
- 24% less likely to be unemployed
Meet Some of Our Families
Moral Adoption: A Single Dad’s Journey to Fatherhood
You Gotta Believe: Family Stories Moral Adoption: A Single Dad’s Journey to Fatherhood Despite facing obstacles along the way, this new family navigated them together
Natasha and Sheldon
You Gotta Believe: Family Stories Natasha and Sheldon When Natasha and Sheldon came to YGB, they already had three children and a desire to provide
Carlos and His Dads
Josh and Skylar welcomed their new son Carlos to their family in 2019. The three have nonstop fun together, and Carlos is keeping them very busy!
Join the movement
Join us all month to celebrate families, advocate for youth, and come together to connect foster youth to loving permanent families!
Transform the life of a kid waiting in foster care!
Every dollar counts. Just like every kid counts.
Calendar of Events
In Their Own Words: Memoirs of a Foster Care Journey
Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice 20 East 43rd Street New York, NY, NY, United StatesWriters discuss their personal experiences after aging out of the foster care system during this panel in honor of Foster Care Awareness Month.
Stars in the House: A Virtual Performance to Benefit You Gotta Believe
Hosts Seth Rudetsky and James Wesely Jackson bring together the brightest and most generous stars to shine a light on the urgent need for permanent families for foster youth.
YGB Advocates Present: Open Mic Night for Foster Care Awareness Month
Open Mic Night amplifying the voices of current and former foster youth. Music, comedy, poetry, stories presented by YGB advocates.
Join Us in Transforming Lives
Everybody needs and deserves a family!
About the Campaign
This May, in recognition of National Foster Care Awareness Month, we’re uniting to make a real difference in the lives of the 114,000 foster youth who require the care and stability of a permanent family.
Our mission is straightforward: raise $114,000 to symbolize our commitment to each and every one of the 114,000 youth in need.
Why Donate?
At YGB, we believe in the transformative power of family. It’s at the heart of our mission. We know that achieving our vision—a world where no young person exits foster care without the unwavering, lifelong dedication of a loving family—will take collective action.
We can’t do it alone! Your support is vital. Together, we can change the lives of foster youth.