Young women aging out of foster care in East Tennessee face overwhelming odds and have nowhere to turn. A recent study by Belmont Innovation Labs states that young people aging out of foster care need healthy adult relationships. Without intervention, their future is dire. Data from the National Foster Youth Institute and our state Department of Children Services (DCS) list the following outcomes:

  • 21% become homeless the day they age out.
  • 70% of young women are pregnant by age 21.
  • More than 25% have no high school diploma or GED
  • Only 50% are employed by age 24.
  • Less than 2% of teen mothers earn a college degree by age 30.
  • 60% of sex trafficking victims have a history in foster care.
  • 35% struggle with substance abuse after leaving care.

A high percent of these young women suffer with poor health, financial instability, and legal troubles, stemming from the complex trauma of their childhoods.

Currently, East Tennessee has no dedicated group home for young women aging out of foster care, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness, exploitation, and generational cycles of trauma.

Partnership’s extended foster care program provides Supportive Independent Living (SIL) transitional housing, a model that works best for youth impacted by trauma before or during their years in foster care. In addition, the robust program coaches for education and career, while providing life skills training, including financial literacy and healthy relationships.

The agency already operates a home for boys and is now expanding to open a second transitional home – this one dedicated to girls.

As a part of this strategic goal to provide supportive group housing and mentorship to youth aging out of the foster care system, Partnership announced a capital campaign, beginning with a home for girls. Through trauma-informed care, they will learn life skills, set educational goals beyond GED and a career to fully support themselves in order to reach their fullest potential.

How You Can Help
Your support will empower these young women to break the cycles of trauma and hardship, creating a brighter future. Make your best gift today:
Capital Campaign for Extended Foster Care Home
Our Remaining Goal: $459,518.41

We are grateful to the following for lead gifts towards this campaign:
Chuck Chitty, Kathleen and Fred Robinson, Bobby Stone Foundation, Schillhahn-Huskey Foundation, Tucker Foundation, and two Anonymous donors for their lead gifts.