The new year brings a sense of renewal—a chance to reflect, reset, and start fresh. It’s the perfect time to think about how we can create better habits for ourselves and those around us. One of the most meaningful ways to start the year is by giving back, particularly to children and teens in foster care.
Every year, thousands of children enter foster care due to circumstances beyond their control. Many of them face unique challenges, including a lack of resources, emotional trauma, and education disruption. As you set your resolutions and intentions for the new year, consider prioritizing ways to support youth in foster care. Here are five impactful actions you can take to make a difference.
1. Donate clothing or luggage to empower youth
Don’t wait for spring cleaning to declutter! Start now by collecting items that can help a child in foster care. Many children enter foster care with little more than the clothes on their backs and often carry their belongings in trash bags.
When you donate gently used clothing, shoes, or luggage, you help youth in foster care. Luggage, duffel bags, and backpacks provide them with a practical and empowering way to carry their belongings. Teens and young adults especially need clothes to prepare for school, work, or significant life events like job interviews. These items seem simple but can make a lasting impact.
Reach out to local foster care organizations to see what they need most. Many seek toiletries and comfort items to make welcome kits for foster parents to give to youth. Your donations can help foster youth feel seen, valued, and supported as they navigate their journeys.
2. Support financially or through services
Another powerful way to make a difference is by giving financially. Your contributions directly fund support services that provide foster youth with resources to thrive. Examples include housing assistance, education scholarships, trauma-informed therapy, and more. Some employers even have donation matching programs to double the impact of their employees’ contributions.
You can also make a difference by leveraging your skills and services to benefit youth in foster care. Business owners of salons, barbers, and restaurants can donate their services to youth in foster care for a discounted or free rate. These important yet overlooked services are vital to supporting healthy self-esteem in our most vulnerable.
3. Join our Foster Care Ambassador Program
If you’re looking for a way to make a more profound, hands-on impact, consider joining our Foster Care Ambassador Program. Ambassadors are passionate individuals who advocate for foster youth within their communities. As an ambassador, you can organize fundraisers, spread awareness on social media, or host events to rally others in support of foster youth. It’s a rewarding way to use your voice and network to amplify change. We provide our Ambassadors with an extensive toolkit of materials to share.
4. Explore becoming a foster parent
If your New Year’s resolutions include making a life-changing commitment, consider becoming a foster parent. Foster parenting provides children with a stable, loving home during uncertain times. Working alongside a trauma-informed treatment team, foster parents support youth on their journey to being reunified with their biological families. They also help youth in foster care navigate the challenges of being separated and keep them connected to helpful resources. Consider becoming a foster parent to teens or LGBTQIA youth who may not always receive priority placements due to their age or additional needs.
Becoming a foster parent is a big step, so take the time to learn more. The new year is a chance to research foster care agencies and explore resources on how to become a foster parent. You can also learn more directly from foster parents who have shared their experiences.
5. Become a mentor to youth in foster care
If fostering isn’t the right fit for you right now, mentoring is another impactful way to support youth in foster care. Many young people in foster care lack consistent adult role models in their lives. As a mentor, you can offer guidance, encouragement, and friendship to help them navigate school, relationships, and their futures. Mentors help youth in foster care develop confidence, set goals, and see their potential.
Both fostering and mentoring require patience, understanding, and dedication, but the rewards are immeasurable. By investing in youth in foster care’s life, you’re helping to break cycles and create a pathway to success.
Why giving back matters
The new year is a chance to align your values with your actions and prioritize giving back. Whether donating items, giving financially, or dedicating your time as a mentor or foster parent, every effort counts.
When you support youth in foster care, you are doing more than just meeting immediate needs—you are investing in their future. Children in foster care are resilient, but they need the care and resources to overcome the challenges they face. Your actions, no matter how small, can help them build confidence, create a sense of belonging, and open doors to new opportunities.
Start the year with purpose
As you reflect on how you want to make an impact this year, consider how your time, resources, and love can uplift youth in foster care. Let this new year be the start of something greater—not just for yourself, but for those who need it most.
