Foster Forward

06/18/2026

A big thank you to Calvin Presbyterian Church in Cumberland for hosting a cleaning products donation drive to support youth in our housing program! 💚

For young people moving into and maintaining their own homes, everyday essentials like cleaning supplies make a meaningful difference. These donations help create clean, safe, and comfortable spaces where youth can continue building stability and independence.

We are so grateful for community partners who show up in such thoughtful and practical ways. Thank you, Calvin Presbyterian Church!

06/17/2026

We are so grateful to the Annie E. Casey Foundation Board for choosing Foster Forward and Rhode Island as the site of their retreat as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative.

For 25 years, the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative has worked with partners across the country to improve outcomes for young people transitioning from foster care, with a focus on permanent connections, education and employment, financial stability, housing security, and youth voice.

Foster Forward is proud to be a longtime Jim Casey partner, and this retreat was a meaningful opportunity to share how that partnership has helped shape our work here in Rhode Island. From hearing directly from young leaders to highlighting the collaborative work behind Center City Apartments in East Providence, the conversations were a powerful reminder of what is possible when communities listen to young people and work together toward lasting change.

Thank you to the Annie E. Casey Foundation Board for visiting Rhode Island, for your continued partnership, and for your belief in what is possible for young people impacted by foster care. 💚

06/16/2026

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and recognize the importance of safe, affirming spaces for every young person.

Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in foster care and unstable housing. For young people impacted by foster care, belonging matters. Feeling seen, supported, and accepted can make a lasting difference as they build stability, confidence, and connection.

At Foster Forward, we are proud to stand with LGBTQ+ youth, families, staff, volunteers, and community members this month and always. Everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and empowered to be exactly who they are.

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈💚

06/10/2026

A huge thank you to Feed RI for donating a full pallet of hygiene supplies to Foster Forward! 💚

Access to basic needs like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and other personal care items can make a meaningful difference for the youth and families we serve. Donations like this help ensure our Storefront and Youth Drop-In Center remain stocked with essential items for young people impacted by foster care and foster families across Rhode Island.

We are so grateful for community partners like FeedRI who help us meet immediate needs with care and dignity.

05/25/2026

Foster Forward will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

We take this time to remember and honor the brave service members who gave their lives in service to our country. We are deeply grateful for their sacrifice.

Our offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 26. Wishing everyone a safe and reflective holiday.

05/24/2026

Foster Care Awareness Month is a time to better understand the support young people impacted by foster care need as they move toward adulthood.

For many youth, financial independence can come earlier than expected, often without the same safety net, guidance, or chances to practice money management that their peers may have.

Research on transition-age foster youth found that only 29% received budgeting and financial education services, even though youth who received those services saw improved outcomes, including reduced likelihood of homelessness and increased likelihood of employment and education enrollment.

Through Foster Forward’s ASPIRE program, young people build financial skills, set personal goals, and receive support as they work toward greater stability. From budgeting and saving to planning for education, housing, transportation, and career goals, ASPIRE helps youth gain the tools and confidence to take their next steps.

Because financial literacy is not just about money. It is about choice, stability, and building the future you want. 💚

05/23/2026

Support Foster Forward while you shop sustainably 💚

When you purchase preloved clothing from Second Serve Resale, simply select Foster Forward at checkout and 85% of your purchase price will be donated to our programs.

Good for your closet, great for our community, and a win for the planet 🌍

https://www.secondserveresale.org/

05/20/2026

A big thank you to the amazing volunteers from Citizens Bank who spent time helping out at our Storefront earlier this month! 💚

Their support helped us sort donations, organize essential items, and keep the Storefront ready for the children, youth, and families who rely on this resource. We are so grateful for community partners who show up, roll up their sleeves, and help make this work possible.

Thank you, Citizens Bank, for being part of the Foster Forward community!

05/20/2026

05/19/2026

Thank you Falvey Insurance Group for their recent new apartment drive they held in honor of !