05/16/2026
May is National Foster Care Awareness Month.
Recently, we hosted a kickball tournament with some of the incredible young adults we serve and house as they transition out of foster care.
On the surface, it may look like “just a game.” A day of laughter, snacks, teams, and a little friendly competition. But for many of the young people we serve, experiences like this are so much more.
Many of these young adults missed out on simple, ordinary moments growing up — community sports, carefree fun, feeling included, having adults cheer them on, or simply getting to be kids without carrying the weight of survival.
So yes, we played kickball. But we also built belonging. We created memories. We laughed hard, encouraged one another, and created space for joy, connection, and community.
At I Am Next, we serve and house young adults transitioning out of foster care, helping create not only stability and support, but also the kinds of fun, meaningful experiences many never had the chance to enjoy growing up.
Healing doesn’t always happen in big dramatic moments. Sometimes it looks like grass stains, team chants, shared meals, and hearing someone say, “I’m glad you came.”
This Foster Care Awareness Month, thank you for helping us remind these young people that they are seen, valued, and never alone.
