OUR MISSION
The mission of Fostering Heroes is to empower foster youth to become the heroes of their own lives by providing skill-building, career exploration and mentorship as youth age into adulthood.
ALL IN FOR FOSTER YOUTH
The problem
Foster youth have overcome a lot to be where they are, but they don’t always know how to take the next steps towards success. The current statistics on aged out foster youth are dismal, by age 26:
- 1/10 will become drug dependent (Catherine Roller White et al., 2008)
- 1/7 will not graduate high school or equivalent (White et al., 2005)
- 1/4 will face food insecurity (Courtney et al., 2011)
- 1/3 will experience homelessness (Amy Dworsky et al., 2013)
- 1/3 live at or below the poverty level (White et al., 2005)
- 1/2 will be facing clinical levels of mental health issues (White et al., 2005)
- over half will face unemployment (Courtney et al., 2011)
The solution
We believe that every youth has the ability to succeed. At Fostering Heroes, it is our privilege to walk alongside youth as partners and mentors on their path to success. We facilitate skill-building courses and provide resources through our key programs.
EVERYDAY HEROES
MENTORSHIP
The Everyday Heroes Program provides weekly programming for more than 60 teens living in group homes across the Phoenix metro area. It offers consistent support as they prepare to transition into adulthood. Workshops and hands-on activities give youth essential skills in financial literacy, teaching them to budget, manage savings, and plan for unexpected expenses; career exploration, helping them identify interests, set goals, and prepare résumés; teamwork, guiding them to collaborate effectively, resolve conflicts, and communicate clearly; and personal planning, enabling them to set priorities, make decisions, and envision long-term paths. Mentors spend over ten hours each month building trust, modeling problem-solving, and providing guidance that fosters resilience, accountability, and self-confidence.
The program also emphasizes experiential learning, peer mentoring, and leadership opportunities. Teens repeatedly apply what they learn in real-world contexts, take initiative, and support one another. By combining practical skill-building with meaningful relationships, Everyday Heroes equips participants not only with tools to succeed academically, professionally, and socially, but also with a strong sense of belonging, empowerment, and confidence in their ability to contribute to their communities.
FUTURE HEROES
SUMMER CAMP
Future Heroes Camp is a four‑day summer retreat held at Whispering Hope Ranch in Payson, Arizona. Set on 45 acres of scenic pine forest, the ranch provides a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for youth to explore new skills, build confidence, and connect with peers and mentors. Each summer, over 75 foster youth attend the camp, immersing themselves in activities designed to foster growth, teamwork, and self-discovery.
At Whispering Hope Ranch, participants enjoy a range of engaging experiences, from equine‑facilitated activities and outdoor adventures to leadership workshops and creative projects. The camp leverages the ranch’s open spaces, trails, stables, and outdoor activity areas to provide hands-on learning that encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and resilience. Mentors guide youth through challenges and celebrate their accomplishments, creating a supportive environment where each camper can thrive.
By the end of the four days, youth leave with stronger relationships, practical skills, and a renewed sense of possibility. Future Heroes Camp empowers participants to see themselves as the hero of their own story, equipped with the confidence, tools, and inspiration to pursue their dreams.
Our values
Compassion
We are compassionate for where youth are, passionate for where they’re going.
Integrity
We do what we say we’ll do.
Determination
We pursue bold results with relentless drive.
Responsibility
We own our actions and the outcomes they create.