Preparing Foster Youth for Adulting

In this May 2025 episode, the inaugural episode following the transition of the podcast from the Aging Out Institute to the Field Center for Children's Policy, Practice & Research at the University of Pennsylvania, MSW Intern Kate Greco interviews Lynn Tonini, Founder and former Executive Director of the Aging Out Institute. Lynn spoke about her journey working with professionals and organizations involved in the child welfare system, as well as how her lived experience in foster care as a teenager played a role in inspiring her future work. At the Aging Out Institute, Lynn focused on improving national outcomes for youth aging out of foster care through a variety of programs and beneficial resources.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Gretchen Dupps, the Founder and Executive Director of Cleveland Angels located in Cleveland, Ohio. Gretchen shared her own exposure to the foster care system in her own family, who took in foster youth. She also described the purpose and services of Cleveland Angels, which is a chapter of the National Angels program based in Texas. Cleveland Angels supports all ages of youth in foster care, and even the families who take them in. She focused on the Dare to Dream program, which offers supportive relationships through mentors for older youth in care up to age 22. We ended with a discussion about strategies that the foster care system can put into place to help improve outcomes of youth who age out of care.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amanda Simonetta, the Executive Director of The Felix Organization in Locust Valley, New York. Amanda discussed her background as a school guidance counselor, which then led to being the first Camp Director at The Felix Organization. She shared the goal of her organization, which is to help youth in care experience joy. Through multiple camps, they work with about 1,500 youth every year. Listen to learn about their camps and the work they do to support youth aging out of care that earned them a 2024 AOI Award. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Alissa Jecklin, Director of Transitional Living with Good Samaritan Boys Ranch in Springfield, Missouri. Alissa shared how she discovered the needs of youth in foster care through a summer job while in college. She chose to focus her career helping these youth. At Good Samaritan, she leads a transitional housing program that builds partnerships with community landlords in order to help youth prepare for adulthood.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Deana Mendez, Case Manager at Finally Family Homes in Santa Clarita, California. Deana told about her journey to working at this organization and explained about the host home program that provides housing for 18 to 25 year old former foster youth with community members in the Santa Clarita area. She also shared about their Oasis Center - a place for youth to get resources and build relationships, and Life Launch - their life skills program open to any youth in need.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Yolanda Johnson, Executive Director, and Cheryl Richards, Case Supervisor for Transition-Aged Youth, for the Prince George's County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Riverdale, Maryland. Yolanda and Stephanie shared their own backgrounds and an overview of their CASA organization, which has been around for 25 years. While they serve as advocates for foster youth at all ages, the also have services and funding that support Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) specific to education, permanency, and emergent issues.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Stephanie Rampone, Director of Development for the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Angels in Dallas, TX. Stephanie shared her unexpected journey from the fashion industry to working with youth in foster care. She also described the three primary areas of service of her fast growing organization: 1) intentional giving, 2) relationship building, and 3) mentorship. Their youth work on 10 specific developmental milestones and 2-3 individual goals with their mentors. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Liberty Thompson, Executive Director of JEM Friends, Inc. in Boise, Idaho. Liberty shared how her interest in the challenges that youth aging out of care face developed from a friendship with a girl in foster care growing up. She described the four pillars of support that they provide youth: housing, community, life skills classes, and independent living planning. She also covers the four phases of their program, which takes youth from finishing education to housing readiness.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Tyila Cooks, Executive Director of Lifebridge Child Advocacy in Midland, Georgia. Tyila shared about her own background, which included adopting foster children to be part of her own family. Started as a ministry, Lifebridge Child Advocacy officially transitioned to a nonprofit in 2021. They serve at-risk youth in the Columbus, GA area, providing a place for them to come together, get support, and life skills training. They also provide support to foster parents and families in crisis.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amy Navarro, Director of the Launch Success Program with Treehouse in Seattle. Amy explained her introduction to the challenges of foster care while serving with Americorp and the journey she took to get to her work with Treehouse. Amy's program, Launch Success, takes a three pronged approach to support youth: education & career planning, systems navigation, and coaching. Their goal is to walk alongside youth to serve as the bridge from high school and independence. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Hannah Hodgson Katzman, Associate Director of Family Harvest Farm in Martinez, California. Hannah described the mission of her organization, the John Muir Land Trust, which is to protect open spaces. Hannah's program - Family Harvest Farm - is under the John Muir Land Trust umbrella. They utilize 3.5 acres of urban open space for a program that hires youth aged out of foster care ages 18-24 on a part-time basis, teaches them about farming while mentoring them over a season, and donates and/or sells the produce to the local community. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Sherrie Weis, Case Manager at  YouthCare in Seattle, Washington. Sherrie described her organization's mission to help homeless youth, many of whom have a connection with or have aged out of foster care. Sherrie's program is a shelter that supports homeless youth between the ages of 12 and 17, but they also have a program for youth over the age of 18. YouthCare strives to build community for the youth; teach life skills while they have them in their programs; help youth identify education, employment, and housing goals; and provide medical support, as needed. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Tige Charity, CEO of Kids in the Spotlight in Burbank, California. Tige shares about the unique employment support services that Kids in the Spotlight provides youth aging out of foster care, which focuses on skills in the arts and entertainment. We talk about the Script-to-Screen program that culminates in film productions that compete with one another for awards through their Kids Film Awards. Supported by Ty Burrell of Modern Family fame, this program works tirelessly to help their youth gain employment in the entertainment industry. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Maria Paparella, Founder and Executive Director of Chair-ity in Akron, Ohio. Maria explained the origins and growth of her organization, which provides furniture to youth aging out of foster care and is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year. We talk about the importance of enabling youth to have choices in creating their environment, how critical community is to supporting these youth, and we wrap up discussing opportunities that the foster system can take to improve the support for youth as they transition to adulthood.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Mark Mecum, CEO of Ohio Children's Alliance in Columbus, Ohio. Mark explains the work that his organization does for youth aging out of foster care through the Ohio Bridges Program, the state's extended foster care program. We talk about the importance of prevention so that youth don't have to go into foster care in the first place, and we wrap up discussing opportunities to improve outcomes for aged-out youth.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Lee Marshall, CEO and Founder of Kids to Love in Madison, Alabama. Lee describes the path she took to leading Kids to Love and the programs and services that Kids to Love offers youth in foster care, as well as those aging out. She explained KTech, which is a 16-week program that teaches skills to help aged-out youth become highly employable. Finally, Lee shares her vision of helping foster youth get on their career path while still in foster care.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Bruce Wingate, President of Foster Care Furniture in Boise, Idaho. Bruce describes how his organization provides training in woodworking and carpentry for youth who have aged out of foster care. Their nonprofit offers 13 weeks of training in which the youth build products to specifications for a paying client. Then, they assists the youth in finding employment in the trades. They are also planning a second phase, which will include enabling youth to own their own tiny homes.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between two individuals connected with organizations that help youth aging out of foster care find and retain employment: Hope Broomham with Jim Riley Outreach (Plano, TX) and Andraya Slyter with The RightWay Foundation (Los Angeles, CA). During this conversation, we talked about different strategies to help foster youth find and keep employment to help them toward self-sufficiency. We also discussed generational differences that may be influencing employment expectations.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Brian Meza, Executive Director of Petra Cares, a charitable arm of Petra Auto Products based in Cypress, Texas. Brian explained the history of Petra Cares, which provides an automotive foundations course for youth aging out of foster care and assists them with acquiring a job in the automotive industry after successfully completing that course. Through partnerships with Lone Star College and other organizations, this nonprofit ensures wrap-around supports for the youth who sign up for their 7-week program. They are a young organization, but they have caught the eye of other cities and are already in talks about expanding.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Donna Skora, Founder of Surrogate Grandparents USA, based in Summerfield, FL. We discussed the reason that she started this Facebook page, which is dedicated to connecting people in order to develop chosen families. We then moved into a conversation about how this site can help connect former foster youth with adults who can serve as surrogate family and mentors. We wrapped up with the challenges that youth aging out of foster care face, and how developing a strong relationship with supportive adults can be the key to making the transition successfully.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Joy Rios, Founder and Executive Director of Connect with a Wish, located in Virginia Beach, VA. We talked about Joy's journey as an adoptive parent, which exposed her to the issues that youth in foster care face. We then discussed the launch of the organization as a holiday project and then expanded to providing youth with 'wishes' year round. The  mission has since expanded to 15 programs, providing support to foster youth from newborns to those who have aged out of care. Their next expansion will include their "Take 2 Community," a housing program for these young adults. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Matt Bell, CEO of Pivotal, located in San Jose, CA. We talked about the journey that brought Matt to the CEO role last year at Pivotal. We then discussed the roots of Pivotal's mission, which was giving youth educational scholarships. The  mission has grown since 1989 to include one-on-one educational coaching to support college and trades pursuits that starts as early as 8th grade and a summer internship when youth gain exposure and experience in the workforce. We also reviewed how the coaches are prepared to work with the youth and how they are matched. Finally, we brainstormed ideas for improving the foster care system.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Brandon Anderchuk, Executive Director of Hope's Path located in Spring, TX. We discussed Brandon's background and the journey that brought him to taking on the leadership role at Hope's Path. We then talked about their relational focused approach to helping youth aging out of foster care or homeless by providing housing, case management, mentors, workforce development, and life skills classes for young men aged 18 to 28. We also discussed the next stage of their development, which includes building a triplex apartments (3 tiny homes) to allow for greater independence after participating in their core program. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that help youth aging out of foster care find and maintain housing: Betty Beatty with Empty Frames Initiative (Everett, WA), Carla Cleeton with the Transition Resource Action Center - TRAC (Dallas, TX), and Angela Youtsey with Olive Crest (Silverdale, WA). During this conversation, we talked about different strategies to help foster youth find and keep their own housing after leaving care. We also discussed ideas for improvements to the foster care system that would help youth be better prepared for getting their own place to live.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Nicole Davis, Executive Director of Operation: Achieve Independence (OAI) located in Spring, TX. We discussed Nicole's background and the journey that brought her to working with youth aging out of foster care. We then talked about OAI's strategy for providing caring mentors for youth and developing strong partnerships with other organizations and agencies to be able to provide a spectrum of services. Their primary programs address financial support for youth in transitional living situations, and helping youth with educational and career preparation. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that provide transitional housing for youth aging out of care: Mike Williams with DASH Foundation (Miami, FL), Shiesha Bell with LIFE Skills Foundation (Durham, NC), and Aundre' Wright with Adonai Transitional Housing (Phoenix, AZ). During this conversation, we discussed what their organizations do for foster youth, specifically their different transitional housing models and strategies. We also discussed the new and creative transitional housing options that are growing in popularity, such as tiny homes and container homes.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Miss Carmelita Coleman, Executive Director of Strong Able Youth Speaking Out (SaySo) in Greensboro, NC. We discussed Miss Carmelita's background and what brought her to working with foster youth. We then talked about the SaySo organization and how it provides foster youth with opportunities to develop leadership and life skills by being involved in advocacy and running events. Finally, we discussed opportunities for improvements to how the foster care system prepares youth for adulthood.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that support youth aging out of foster care by helping them build financial competency: Michael Williams with DASH Foundation (Miami, FL), Eugenia Wilson with Living Advantage, Inc. (Hollywood, CA), and Andrea Ferrero-Haggerty with Pockets Change (Brooklyn, NY). During this conversation, we discussed what their organizations do for foster youth, specifically the strategies to help foster youth appreciate how managing finances can help them reach their individual goals. We also discussed the importance of good credit, critical life documents, debt management, and the support to help these youth build their financial skillset.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that support youth aging out of foster care by helping them reach their education goals: Elizabeth Bruchez with DPHHS (Lewistown MT), Stephen Coop with Reach Higher Montana (Helena, MT), and Kate Danielson with Foster Progress (Chicago, IL). During this conversation, we discussed what their organizations do for youth, how the Chafee program works and the funds that Chafee provides, the challenges that foster youth face in reaching their education goals, and strategies to help them overcome those hurdles. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals who work with youth aging out of foster care by employing and mentoring them in a coffee shop: Bethany Priebe with Cultivate Coffee (Phoenix, AZ), Emily Schidt with The Cracked Pot Coffee Shop (Mechanicsburg, PA), and Kamal Marell with The Monkey & The Elephant (Philadelphia, PA). During this conversation, we discussed this particular nonprofit model and how each organization applies strategies to support youth aging out of foster care, helping them learn employment skills and prepare for the next steps as adults. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Ashlee Briddell, CEO and Founder of HomeSweetHome Foundation in Hagerstown, MD. We discussed Ashlee's background in foster care herself and her educational achievements despite her challenges. We then talked about her motivation to start HomeSweetHome as a way to help foster youth with housing supplies, mental health support, financial competency, and connecting with other resources they need. Finally, we discussed opportunities for improvements to the foster care system and how they prepare youth aging out of foster care. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Dr. Ashley Cross, Executive Director of The Hub585, Inc. in Rochester, NY. We started the interview with an interesting discussion about the importance of hope and resiliency and how they are connected with relationships. We then talked about The Hub585 and the different tiers of support they provide youth and their various programs, including participation in an online Care Portal on which that a network of churches and community organizations use to address youths' needs, a group mentoring model, financial support when youth age out, a summer camp for system involved youth, and more. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Eric Gilmore, Executive Director of Immerse Arkansas in Little Rock. Started in 2010, Immerse Arkansas has been building a continuum of support for foster youth age 14-18 and youth who have aged out between the ages of 18-24 years old. They provide transitional living opportunities that include a variety of housing options (homes, apartments, etc.). They have staff that provide 24/7 assistance and coaching for the youth to help them prepare for independent living. They also have a pregnancy support program. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals who work with youth aging out of foster care: Cheryl Williams, Founder and Executive Director of Fundamentals for Foster Care (San Antonio, TX); Erin NeSmith, Founder and Lead Coach of Grow Into You Foundation (Brandon, FL); and Ed Hajim, Author and Chairman of High Vista (Key Largo, FL). During this conversation, we discussed effective strategies to help older foster youth - and those who have aged out - learn coping skills that will help them strengthen their resiliency and their ability to manage through the difficult times in their lives. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Barbara Sabol, Senior Advisor of Home Work USA in Lawrence, Kansas. At 85 years old, Barbara is helping to launch an intentional, tiny home community for youth aging out of foster care that is designed to help give them a safe, affordable housing option so that they can get their adult lives started with a greater sense of security. Their community is being built on 22 rural acres and will have 15 tiny homes available for rent soon (they have 10 now). They will house young people aged 18 to 26 years old. Lynn and Barbara also discuss bigger picture improvements of the foster care system, including improved communication with youth, preparing them for adulthood earlier, and ensuring that caseworkers have a reasonable case load.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals who work with youth aging out of foster care: Erica Anderson, Founder of We Inspire Greatness (Kansas City, MO), Irving Chavez, Chief Impact Officer at Just in Time for Foster Youth (San Diego, CA), and Ben McBride, Executive Director of I Pour Life (Springfield, MO). During this conversation, we discussed effective strategies to help older foster youth - and those who have aged out - learn how to make decisions that will get them to their individual goals and dreams. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Aundre' Wright, Co-Founder and CEO of Adonai Transitional Housing in Phoenix, Arizona. Aundre' explains his organization's history and partnership with the state of Arizona to provide transitional housing for young adults in the extended foster care program. Their housing options include four homes and one apartment complex (two triplexes) in various locations. (They use one of the apartments in the triplexes for foster youth and the rest they rent out to the public, which provides an income for the program.) Lynn and Aundre' also discuss a couple of opportunities for improving how the system prepares youth for aging out of care.  

In this episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between the Executive Directors from three different organizations that serve youth aging out of foster care: Rachael Smith with Hope and Vine (Wake Forest, NC), Susan Punnett with Family & Youth Initiative (Washington, D.C.), and Ben McBride with I Pour Life (Springfield, MO). We discussed the barriers that need to be addressed to help build relationships between youth and supportive adults, the strategies that can be used to mitigate those barriers, and the training that their staff and volunteers go through to understand how to facilitate the relationships. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Penny Ellison, Executive Director of Hand2Paw in Philadelphia, PA. Penny shared about the programs they offer for youth - age 16 to 24 - who are experiencing housing insecurity or are in or aging out of foster care. Their unique, strengths-based programs ("Unleashing Opportunities," "Pawspurr," and "WorkReady") provide opportunities for these youth to build life skills and character while working with and helping the animals of Philadelphia that also need support and love. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Meredith Yuckman, Executive Director of The Hope Center at Pullen in Raleigh, NC. Meredith shared about their life skills program for youth ages 13-18 and their transition program for youth ages 18-24. They also have a Youth Advisory Board made up of youth currently in (or graduated from) their transition program that provides feedback and recommendations about the services that they offer youth. For example, the Youth Advisory Board was the catalyst for the development of a new staff doula program to provide better support for young mothers during the childbirth process.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Justin Black, Co-founder of Redefining Normal in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Justin shared a little about his journey with his wife, Alexis, in foster care and the lessons they learned aging out of care that have contributed to their success as authors, speakers, and workshop leaders throughout the country. Justin discussed some of the principles that they have included in their book and workshops, including (but not limited to) living intentionally, forgiveness, and resilience.  Finally, Lynn and Justin talked about the importance of encouraging foster youth to dream again. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Carolyn Olsen, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Fostering Youth Independence in Santa Clarita, California. Carolyn shared how her organization supports youth aging out of care by connecting them with allies (mentors) whose primary focus is building a strong, supportive relationship with the youth. Carolyn also reviewed the variety of activities that they have built into their program to help the young people as they work toward their educational goals.  Finally, Lynn and Carolyn discussed the important role that nonprofits play in filling the gaps that aren't currently filled by the foster care system.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Amanda Ricken Simonetta with The Felix Organization, Trinity Bailey with Music is Unity Foundation, and LaTasha Watts with The Purple Project to learn about the 2023 Level Up Conference for youth in foster care and those who have aged out (ages 14-24). This virtual conference is being held on February 9th from 3:00pm-5:00pm EST. We also talk about the key challenges that youth aging out of foster care face. Listen to find out more about these organizations, the conference itself, and how to register for this online learning experience. [NOTE: The conference dates mentioned in this podcast were changed. The conference is on 2/9/23 and the registration deadline is 2/3/23.]

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Beth Reinwald, Founder and CEO of Flourish Homes in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Beth shared the challenges that Flourish Home faced getting started, how they launched their 1-2 year, faith-based transitional living program for young women facing homelessness, some of whom have aged out of foster care. Beth also reviewed their mentoring program and other supports they provide youth as they work toward educational and employment goals.  Finally, Lynn and Beth discussed the importance of consistency for young people while they are in foster care, both in regard to placements and education.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Joelle Pitts, Executive Director of The R.J. Leonard Foundation in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Joelle shared about their organization's mentor program focused on helping youth aging out of foster care set and achieve educational and/or employment goals. Joelle explained how their priority is long-term supportive relationships. They also discuss the financial support the organization provides for academic scholarships, transportation, basic living expenses, and social and cultural enrichment activities. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Stacy DeWitt, Executive Director of James Storehouse in Newbury Park, California. Stacy shared about their warehouse that supplies people in need - referred by social workers - with emergency supplies, as well as their three boutiques with supplies specifically for babies, children, and teenagers. They also provide support services for youth, including mentoring, life skills classes, baby showers, a leadership academy, and a transitional housing program. Finally, Stacy reviewed six protective factors that would help prevent the need for foster care if they were bolstered and supported among families in need.     

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Christina Dronen, Executive Director of Finally Family Homes in Valencia, California. We discussed their newest initiative, which is a "build to own" program in which youth aging out of care help build and then own their own tiny home on wheels. Christina explained how this model will enable youth to acquire equity in their own home quickly, which they can leverage when they are ready to move into a larger house. We also discussed their existing programs, including life skills workshops, a host home program, and providing money and material needs to youth in the area who need assistance. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Lisa Peat, Founder and Executive Director of The Taylor House in Roseville, California. We discussed their safe transition home for young ladies aging out of foster care. Lisa discussed the five key pillars that provide the structure of their program: employment, education, transportation, health and wellness, and budgeting and banking. We also discussed the importance of earlier intervention and family support as a way to improve the foster care system. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Colby Swettberg, CEO of Silver Lining Mentoring in Boston, MA. We discussed their award winning mentoring program for youth aging out of care. Colby reviewed their mentoring program, including an overview of their mentor training program, the qualities of effective mentors, their life skills program, and the critical importance of connections for youth. Colby also shared about the Silver Lining Institute, which provides consulting and guidance to other organizations building or expanding their own mentoring programs. 

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Britt Wade, Workforce Development Coordinator with Family Harvest Farm in Martinez, CA. We discussed their urban farm, which is a program under the umbrella of the John Muir Land Trust. At their farm, they employ youth aging out of foster care and teach them about sustainable farming. In their program, they build supportive relationships and help the youth derive meaning from their work by giving the food they grow to the local community. We also discussed ideas for the foster care system to help ensure that youth aging out of care are successful.

In this episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Lauren Vazquez, Supervisor of the Adolescents Achieving Independence (AAI) program at Valley Youth House in Bethlehem, PA. We discussed AAI and the strategies they use as they serve as "adulting coaches" for foster youth and former foster youth between the ages of 14 to 23 years old. They focus their support in the domains of education, employment, housing, life skills, and permanency (relationships). We also discussed ideas for improving support for youth, including a year of transitional living in their senior year of high school and finding more foster parents willing to provide homes for older teens in foster care.