Fostering Resilience Project
Empowering Black youth
for a better future.
The Fostering Resiliency Project (FRP) is a healing-centered, community-powered mentoring initiative rooted in South Los Angeles, designed to empower Black youth ages 12–18 in foster care. Born out of a commitment to disrupt cycles of trauma, FRP connects system-impacted youth with culturally grounded mentors who walk alongside them on a journey of healing, personal growth, and self-determination.
At FRP, we believe resilience is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving. Through strengths-based mentoring, emotional wellness programming, creative expression, and skill-building rooted in love and accountability, FRP helps youth envision new possibilities and pursue pathways to education, wellness, and purpose.
We are a village. We are the torchbearers. We are the spark that helps our youth say: “If it is to be, it’s up to me.”
33%
Youth that have increased grades
85%
Youth maintain stable housing
Our Impact
Over 300 youth served since 2024
Program Elements
We provide individualized services for Black youth in foster care, including comprehensive assessments, dedicated navigators, mentoring, and life skills training with educational and vocational support. Delivered in partnership with DCFS and community providers, these services are designed to guide youth and their families throughout their care journey and prevent justice system involvement.
Community and Social Support
Youth development and social support such as connections to culturally affirming and supportive mentors, peer
support groups, community leadership and organizing opportunities, and enrichment programs (i.e. cooking, music,
arts, sports).
Wellbeing
Health and healing support such as physical health services, mental health services, substance abuse services, trauma screening and referrals to reverse the negative effects of trauma.
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Education and Employment
Education and employment support such as dropout prevention, school reintegration, tutoring, educational rights
advocacy, job training, job placement, and skill-building to link youth to school and jobs.
Independent Living Skills
Provide youth with consistent guidance, support, and encouragement as they navigate adulthood, helping to build confidence, accountability, and long-term resilience.
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FRP Referral Process
Step 1
Intake & Readiness Assessment
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Referral completed by reporting person
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Conduct intake meeting with referring person and youth
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Administer FRP's Youth Readiness Survey
Step 2
Mentor Match Processing
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Review youth interests, identify needs.
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Cross-reference with available mentors
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Identify best-fit mentor or mentoring
organization. Survey.
Step 3
Orientation & Warm Hand-Off
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Facilitate a youth-
centered orientation
session (includes
parent/caregiver if applicable) -
Conduct a warm handoff meeting between youth, mentor
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Co-create a Mentorship Plan with Mentor that includes check-in frequency, goals, and expectations
Step 4
Ongoing Support & Monitoring
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Conduct monthly mentor/youth
satisfaction surveys -
Reassess youth goals quarterly; adjust the match if needed
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Provide enrichment
workshops, healing circles, and youth leadership opportunities
Looking to refer a youth?
Testimonials
