Every year 25,000 teens age out of the foster care system.  Although life in foster care can be tough with multiple placements and numerous schools; life after leaving the system can be even tougher.  Did you know:

Every time a youth changes schools, he falls 4-6 months behind his peers Less than half of youth in foster care finish high school Only 13% start college and half of them drop out within two years Less than 2% receive a bachelor’s degree Only 38% are employed one year after leaving foster care.

OFA’s mission is to change these outcomes.  We offer many ways that you can help in this mission and make a difference in a foster youth’s life:

#1  Become a mentor

Develop a virtual mentoring relationship with a youth as he or she transitions, or begins the transition process, from foster care to post-secondary training.  Our volunteer mentors are from all walks of life.  They are people who want to give back, but need a means to do so that fits with their busy professional life.  Virtual mentoring provides a convenient, comfortable and safe medium of communication.

For more information on becoming a virtual mentor go to Learn more about being a vMentor.

#2  Become a content expert

There are times when a student needs extra assistance in a specific area.  A volunteer seeking to become a content expert would agree to provide short-term support when the youth emails them asking for assistance in their area of expertise. For more information on becoming a content expert go to Learn more about being a vMentor.

#3  Sponsor a scholarship youth

Individuals and companies may also fund scholarships for $1000 a year or more. For more information on how to give the gift of education to one or more young people through OFA’s Sponsored Scholarship Program, please contact us at scholarships@orphan.org. Within certain parameters, scholarship sponsors may designate their awardee – they may select state, major or gender, for example – and they may name the award in honor or a person, company or event.

#4  Participate in the Care Package Program

When you were in school do you remember how much those care packages from home meant.....or how you wished the mail would bring you one?  OFA assembles and mails special care packages to all the OFA scholarship and tuition voucher recipients three times a year.  If you are interested in learning more about the Care Package Program, visit www.orphan.org.  The National Events Coordinator would be happy to share how you can participate.  She can be reached at carepackages@orphan.org.

#5  Provide financial assistance

The vMentor Program is growing! OFA is always looking at ways to improve the technical aspects of the program, expand the services we offer, and increase the number of youth we can connect with mentors. Your financial support is always appreciated.

#6  Other ways to help

Of course there are always special events and projects in which you can participate.  Check the OFA webpage at www.orphan.org for special projects.  If you live in the Washington DC area, you may be interested in helping in the office.  Contact us at help@orphan.org for more information.