At The Collaborative for Family Education, we believe no one should face adulthood alone.
Every young adult deserves a support system, but for those aging out of foster care, the safety net many of us rely on—family advice, financial help, or just a place to fall back on—is often missing. That’s where we step in.
We understand that the last thing former foster youth want is another caseworker or person dictating the “hows” and “whats.” After years in the system, most crave freedom by the time they turn 18. Meetings, rules, plans, and interventions feel like obstacles when all they want is independence.
But sometimes, independence comes with challenges they aren’t equipped to handle on their own. They may refuse case management, burn bridges in their quest for autonomy, and feel unable to go back and ask for help when they need it. Worse, when they do seek assistance, they’re often told to wait weeks for approval from a board of directors or navigate layers of red tape—time they don’t have.
For example:
Imagine being on your way to work and getting a flat tire. For many of us, that would be a quick call to mom or dad for advice or financial help. But for someone with no family support, this simple problem spirals.
Do they call off work? Abandon the car to walk? What happens next?
One simple event can lead to losing a job, then losing housing, and ultimately losing hope.
That’s where we come in. We provide immediate, judgment-free support. No red tape. No delays. Just help.
We meet young adults where they are and provide practical assistance that keeps them moving forward.
Need new tires? We’ve got you.
A deposit for electricity? Call us.
Help navigating an application or finding work? We’ll walk you through it.
Need a tow truck, co-pay, or even groceries? We’re here.
It’s that simple.
Real Stories, Real Impact
A young man with a full out-of-state college scholarship had just $77 to his name. We covered his plane ticket, transportation to campus an hour away from the airport, and even bedding and groceries—because success should never be derailed by a lack of resources. He was thankful - and almost hopeless when he went to get his dorm key. They needed a $100 deposit, which wasn't covered by the scholarship. After panicking for a minute, he called us (for the fifth time during this transition). No problem. No shame.
A musician lost his livelihood when his guitar was smashed by homophobic youth. We helped him replace it, restoring not only his instrument but his dignity.
A single mom needed childcare, a new tire, and a work uniform to secure a job. With our help, she got everything she needed to move forward.
We make the process as simple and straightforward as possible while ensuring accountability.
Verification Process:
We understand the importance of trust and credibility. That’s why we ask for some verification of previous case management. This might include:
A brief conversation with someone currently in contact with the young adult, such as an employer, landlord, teacher, or former foster parent.
This ensures we’re helping those who truly need it while respecting their independence and dignity.
Direct Payments to Businesses or Services:
To streamline the process and avoid complications, we never give funds directly to the young adult. Instead, we pay directly to the business or service provider. Whether it’s a tow truck company, landlord, utility provider, or store, we make sure the help goes exactly where it’s needed.
This approach ensures transparency and allows young adults to get the immediate assistance they need without the stress of managing the logistics on their own.
At The Collaborative for Family Education, our focus is simple: quick, effective, judgment-free support with minimal hoops to jump through.
Want to donate to this cause?
Go Fund Me : https://gofund.me/cf94d598
Great Nonprofits : greatnonprofits.org/org/collaborative-for-family-education
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