Stepping Forward L.A.

06/17/2026

Congratulations, Class of 2026! 🎓

We are proud to celebrate an incredible milestone for members of the Stepping Forward LA community.

✨ Brandy – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Studio Art, University of California, San Diego
✨ Bailey – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology, California State University, Northridge
✨ Elizabeth – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Latin American Studies
✨ Joachim – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology, California State University, Dominguez

At Stepping Forward LA, we are committed to changing that narrative.

Each of these graduates has been able to achieve their academic goals, while participating in our signature programs which provide flexibility and full support.

Our virtual programs provide mentorship, workforce development opportunities, housing support, and community-centered approach. Young adults can continue pursuing their education while navigating life's challenges.

Today, we celebrate Brandy, Bailey, Elizabeth, and Joachim, and all they have accomplished. We cannot wait to see what comes next in their journeys.

💙 Join us in congratulating the Class of 2026!

06/12/2026

Leadership Spotlight: Beth Ryan🌟

We are proud to announce that our Founder and Executive Director, Beth Ryan was acknowledged in receiving the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award.

Beth Ryan has work for creating a safe space and opportunities for foster youth and young adults transitioning into independence.

What makes Stepping Forward LA unique is its commitment to elevating the voices of those with lived experience. Former foster youth are not only participants in the programs—they become leaders, mentors, advocates, and change makers within the community.

We are proud to celebrate Beth Ryan as a recipient of the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award at the Founders 2.0 Conference, recognizing her dedication to empowering foster youth through innovative and impactful programs.

Her work was also featured on a Times Square billboard, bringing national visibility to the importance of supporting young adults as they transition into adulthood.

This recognition reflects more than one person's achievement. It reflects the strength, resilience, and potential of every young adult who is part of the Stepping Forward LA community.

Congratulations, Beth, and thank you for continuing to build a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive. 💙

https://www.steppingforwardla.org/items

06/03/2026

Welcome home, Lazae. 💙

As we head into summer, we’re celebrating more than a milestone; we’re celebrating stability, safety, and a new beginning.

Through our Housing Initiative Program, young adults transitioning out of foster care receive support as they build independent, brighter futures.

Because every young person deserves a safe place to live.

06/02/2026

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Pride Month from Stepping Forward LA.

We are proud to be inclusive and welcoming - supporting and uplifting our LGBTQIA+ staff, interns, supporters, donors, volunteers, board and community.

With love and support from our SFLA staff to you. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

05/26/2026

As National Foster Care Awareness Month comes to a close, this week’s episode of Fostering Change highlights the power of collaboration, mentorship, and community.

Rob Scheer is joined by Beth Ryan, Stepping Forward L.A.'s Executive Director and Founder, and Jorie Das of to discuss how consistent support can help young people connected to foster care build stability, trust, and hope for the future.

Watch the full episode on the Comfort Cases YouTube channel or listen on all major podcast streaming platforms. 💙 💛

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv4JnOuvT6M

As National Foster Care Awareness Month comes to a close, this episode of Fostering Change focuses on something deeply important: what happens when organizat...

05/22/2026

We are incredibly honored to introduce something very special to our organization and community: the Spencer Evans Legacy Award.

This scholarship was created in memory of Spencer Evans, an amazing young person who was part of our internship program and who left a lasting impact on many of us at Stepping Forward LA and everyone who met him. Spencer was the kind of person who showed up for others. He carried himself with kindness and humility and truly embodied the spirit of service and community.

The Spencer Evans Legacy Award will recognize young adults in our programs who go above and beyond in the same spirit that Spencer did. This scholarship honors young adults who lead with compassion, initiative, service, and heart.

The first two recipients of this award are:

Giselle Espinoza — Referred by Spencer, Giselle shared her experience using the Stepping Forward LA App during her interview and immediately volunteered to create a video we could share with one of our donors.

Jimmy Morales — Always willing to lend a hand, Jimmy consistently supports others and encourages friends and colleagues to participate in Stepping Forward LA programs.

05/20/2026

This National Foster Care Awareness Month, we’re creating space for encouragement, honesty, and community. 💙

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
What advise would you give someone navigating adutlhood.

Maybe it’s something you wish someone told you.
Maybe it’s a lesson that helped you keep going.
Maybe it’s simply a reminder that they are not alone.

Leave your advice in the comments below; your words could make a real impact on someone navigating one of the hardest chapters of their life.

05/18/2026

We are continuing to uplift the voices of our young adults. 💙

We asked:
“What important skills has the Stepping Forward LA community taught you that you can use in your life?”

Our interns reflect resilience, personal growth, and a commitment to building brighter futures for themselves every day.

If you are interested in learning more, please visit our website at www.steppingforwardla.org

05/15/2026

A major win for foster youth pursuing higher education. 🎓

We are proud to celebrate the passing of a motion prioritizing housing support for current and former foster youth in college, expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable housing across

This is more than policy.

It is a step toward breaking the foster-care-to-homelessness pipeline and creating brighter futures for young adults across our community. 🏠

CommunityImpact HousingMatters EducationEquity

05/14/2026

Stepping into growth looks different for every young adult, but across all three of our 2025 internship cohorts, these 5 themes rose to the surface again and again. 🚀

From:
• Building stability
• Reclaiming confidence
• Learning through real-world experience
• Strengthening community
• Finding direction and purpose

Our interns overcame obstacles and life challenges, yet remained committed to themselves and the internship experience.

At Stepping Forward LA, we don’t wait for life to become “stable” before investing in young people.

We grow through it, together.

CareerDevelopment