Published Dec-9-2011
Oregon-based organization that helps teens and young adults with Independent Living Services (ILS), Transitional Living Program (TLP), Safe Place, or The STEP program.
Department of Human Services: www.oregon.gov/DHS/children/fosteradopt
Coordinates foster and adoptive parenting programs, and provides resources and assistance for foster parents and families. Includes information on how businesses and communities can help support children in foster care.
Foster Club: www.fosterclub.com/_states/oregon
A national network for youth in foster care that provides support and lists events, programs, and resources. Local news, conferences, and meetings are posted by state.
Foster Care Alumni of America: www.fostercarealumni.org
A support network for those in foster care, connecting youth with former foster care "alumni."
Friends of the Children: www.friendschildren.org/Portland/index.html
Pairs at-risk children and youth with professionally trained mentors, starting in kindergarten through high school graduation.
Powerhouse: www.powerhouseprogram.org
Provides one-on-one, community based mentoring for teens transitioning from foster care.
FYI3 (For Youth who are Involved, Informed, and Independent): www.FYI3.com
Offers information and advice for teens and those aging out of foster care.
Oregon Foster Youth Connection: www.oryouthconnection.org
An organization that trains and empowers youth to get involved in the development of policies, programs, and practices that affect foster care youth.
A $2,500 renewable scholarship for Oregon public high school students that have overcome barriers, such as poverty or personal tragedy, to achieve academic success. Applications may be submitted online, with early submissions encouraged.
Foster Care to Success (FCS): www.fc2success.org
The FCS Sponsored Scholarship Program provides funding for former or current foster care youth, under the age of 25, that plan to attend college or other post-secondary schooling. Online applications are available January 1 - March 31 annually. Three other scholarships are available for those in foster care in the following states: AL, AR, AZ, CO, MO, NY, NC, OH, and WA.
Oregon Chafee Education and Training Grant: www.osac.state.or.us/chafeeetv.html
Awards up to $3,000 per academic year to help current or former foster care youth with postsecondary education and training. Apply after you've submitted your FAFSA form, and use the online application available at the above link. Applicants must meet specified eligibility criteria.
Former Foster Youth Tuition Waiver: www.ORyouthconnection.org
Starting January 1, 2012, youth who age out of foster care, or who are adopted after age 16, will be eligible for a tuition and fee waiver at Oregon's community colleges and public universities.
Apply to CCAI's Foster Youth Internship program to work as a congressional intern in Washington, D.C. and learn more about their advocacy projects and other programs.
Foster Care to Success: www.fc2success.org/what-we-do/programs
Applicants that are awarded an FCS scholarship are eligible for career counseling, as well as the InternAmerica program. InternAmerica brings students to Washington, D.C. each summer to work in congressional offices, at businesses, and for other organizations. There are a number of resources here in Oregon and nationwide serving those in foster care. Whether you're still in foster care or transitioning out, know that you're not alone! Use the links below to learn more about groups and programs that provide support, housing, financial aid, and other services.