Family and Youth Initiative (DCFYI)

Family and Youth Initiative (DCFYI) Creating community & lasting relationships for teens/young adults who are in/aged out of foster care. We match teens with host parents and mentors.

Family & Youth Initiative (DCFYI) creates a supportive community and lasting relationships for teens and young adults who are in or have aged out of foster care. Through events and advocacy we help teens find adoptive families and others who are committed to supporting them and being in their lives long-term. If you are an adult in the Washington, DC metro area who wants to make a tangible difference in the life of an area teen, please join with us and be part of our community.

For many young people aging out of foster care, finding and maintaining stable housing can be a challenge. Young people ...
08/25/2026

For many young people aging out of foster care, finding and maintaining stable housing can be a challenge. Young people may need one-time financial support so they don’t lose or can move into new housing. They may lose housing and need to move into temporary shelter. Or they may be stuck in unlivable conditions.

Through our Fund for Critical Youth Needs, DCFYI helps cover one-time expenses that may be the difference between whether a young person has a place to call home.

It is times like these when we are reminded of just how much it takes a village, and we are so grateful for ours.

Donate to DCFYI’s Fund for Critical Youth Needs today: http://DCFYI.org/donate

There’s nothing better than coming together with the DCFYI community! 💚 Our recent Family Reunion was a wonderful opport...
08/21/2026

There’s nothing better than coming together with the DCFYI community! 💚

Our recent Family Reunion was a wonderful opportunity for youth, mentors, host and adoptive parents, alumni, and other members of the DCFYI community to reconnect, catch up with people they hadn’t seen in a while, share a meal, play games, and simply enjoy being together.

Events like the Family Reunion are a special reminder of the lasting relationships that make the DCFYI village so meaningful. We loved seeing familiar faces reconnect, new connections form, and everyone come together for a fun and memorable day.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the reunion such a great experience for our entire community! 💚

This past weekend, a mentor and mentee designed candles, shared laughs, and made memories at a Shop Made in DC workshop—...
08/15/2026

This past weekend, a mentor and mentee designed candles, shared laughs, and made memories at a Shop Made in DC workshop—just one example of the connections that make
DCFYI special 🕯️✨

Want to learn more about how you can become part of the DCFYI community? Join us for a virtual volunteer orientation on August 18: https://buff.ly/SHZ9tdf

Every young person deserves to be celebrated on their birthday 🎉For years, we have hosted an annual birthday party to ce...
08/03/2026

Every young person deserves to be celebrated on their birthday 🎉

For years, we have hosted an annual birthday party to celebrate every DCFYI participant. This year, youth and volunteers came together for an afternoon filled with three-legged races, musical chairs, a water balloon toss, lunch, presents, and a special birthday cake featuring each participant’s name.

This event is more than just a party. It is an opportunity to make sure every young person feels recognized, valued, and surrounded by a supportive community. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s celebration so joyful and memorable! 🎂🎈

Make a meaningful difference in the life of a young person by becoming a DCFYI mentor!DC Family and Youth Initiative is ...
07/29/2026

Make a meaningful difference in the life of a young person by becoming a DCFYI mentor!

DC Family and Youth Initiative is offering a virtual training for individuals interested in mentoring teens in foster care. During the training, participants will learn more about DCFYI, mentor roles and requirements, youth development, and how to build a supportive mentor-mentee relationship.

📅 Saturday, August 15, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
📍 Virtual via Zoom

This training is open to anyone who has attended a DCFYI orientation and submitted a mentor application. The Zoom link will be provided after registration.
We look forward to partnering with you and supporting you as you begin this meaningful journey!

Register at https://buff.ly/tY772xm

A few weeks ago, DCFYI celebrated our annual birthday party, where several of our youth received beautiful handmade quil...
07/23/2026

A few weeks ago, DCFYI celebrated our annual birthday party, where several of our youth received beautiful handmade quilts from Mount Vernon Quilters Unlimited in honor of their birthdays. We are incredibly grateful for this thoughtful gift and for our continued partnership with Quilters Unlimited. We look forward to working together again in the future!

Learn more about Quilters Unlimited at https://quiltersunlimited.org/

Did you age out of foster care or know someone who did?You have goals. You shouldn't have to reach them alone.If you wer...
07/17/2026

Did you age out of foster care or know someone who did?
You have goals. You shouldn't have to reach them alone.
If you were in foster care and are now building your future—whether that's finding a job, going to school, starting a business, getting stable housing, or pursuing a dream—the Open Table program can help.
You'll be matched with a team of 4–7 caring adults who meet with you online each week for one year. They'll encourage you, help solve challenges, and connect you with their personal and professional networks to help you succeed.
✅ Free to participate
✅ Online meetings
✅ Real connections, real support
✅ Your goals, your future
Ready to build your table of support? Reach out to Patrick [Patrick at dcfyi.org] to learn more.

We are proud to be guided by leaders who bring expertise in policy, finance, education, and strategy, each committed to ...
07/14/2026

We are proud to be guided by leaders who bring expertise in policy, finance, education, and strategy, each committed to advancing opportunity and stability for youth in foster care.

Learn more about our Board at dcfyi.org.

Youth aging out of foster care are at significantly higher risk for homelessness, unemployment, and mental health strugg...
07/11/2026

Youth aging out of foster care are at significantly higher risk for homelessness, unemployment, and mental health struggles. Not because they lack potential, but because they often lack consistent adult support.

DCFYI exists to change that.

Through mentorship and community, we ensure young people transitioning into adulthood have someone in their corner.
Connection changes outcomes. DCFYI.ORG

Mentor a young person in foster care. Change the future.Family & Youth Initiative mentors support young people in foster...
05/27/2026

Mentor a young person in foster care. Change the future.

Family & Youth Initiative mentors support young people in foster care by showing up consistently and building real relationships over time. Through shared experiences and steady support, mentors help teens build confidence, make informed choices, and see new possibilities for their future.

Learn how to get involved ➡️ https://buff.ly/rTFAOd7

Address

853 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Suite 200
Washington D.C., DC
20003

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+12028630975

Website

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