Santa's Little Helpers, Inc.

FUTURE FORWARD PROGRAM

BY SLHI

Empowering Foster Care Alumni Pursuing Higher Learning

Imagine turning 18 with no family to call, no one waiting to help you move into your first apartment, no one to celebrate your acceptance into college, and no safety net when life gets hard.

For young adults aging out of foster care, this isn't imagination—it's reality.

Every year, these remarkable young people leave foster care determined to build successful, independent lives. Many are pursuing college degrees, vocational certifications, apprenticeships, and workforce training while simultaneously learning how to manage rent, groceries, transportation, bills, and countless other responsibilities most young adults don't face alone.

That's where Future Forward comes in.

Future Forward is a year-round support program designed specifically for Kentucky foster youth and foster care alumni pursuing higher education, vocational training, and career pathways. We serve young adults living in Pre-Independent Living programs, Independent Living settings, and on college campuses throughout the region.

Our students are working toward brighter futures at institutions including Jefferson Community & Technical College, the University of Louisville, Spalding University, Sullivan University, University of Kentucky, and vocational training programs through Goodwill Industries of Kentucky.

Last year alone, Future Forward served 30 students and delivered 260 monthly care packages filled with household essentials, personal care products, healthy food, school supplies, encouragement, and other items that help remove barriers to success. Beyond the care packages, participants receive financial literacy workshops, life skills education, wellness resources, mentoring opportunities, and a community that reminds them they never have to face adulthood alone.

For many of our students, the handwritten note tucked inside each care package is just as meaningful as the items inside. It may be the only personal encouragement they receive all month. That reminder—that someone believes in them—can make all the difference during a difficult semester or a challenging season of life.

When you support Future Forward, you're doing far more than donating supplies.

You're helping a student stay enrolled in college instead of dropping out because money is tight.

You're helping a young adult furnish a first apartment with dignity.

You're helping someone choose textbooks instead of groceries, knowing their community has their back.

You're giving hope to a young person who has spent much of their life wondering if anyone truly cares.

Every care package says:

You matter.

We believe in you.

Keep moving forward.

Your gift helps former foster youth build stable, independent, and successful futures. Together, we can ensure that no young adult has to navigate life after foster care alone.

Donate today and help change the story for Kentucky's future leaders—one care package, one student, and one brighter future at a time.

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IMPACT AT A GLANCE