I'm a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down.  - Abraham Lincoln

Each year as many as 400 youth "age out" of the foster care system in San Diego County at the age of 18.

While many qualify for financial aid for education, this still leaves books, food, rent and transportation. This is where FOS comes in. Since 2002, over $700,000 has been raised for scholarships. We have had 46 students graduate with higher education degrees and a total of 63 graduations. We are very proud to announce that 3 of our students have earned Master's degrees and 1 has passed the bar examination! 

What makes FOS most unique, however, are the individual relationships our mentors develop with students. Mentors provide an ear to listen, help students discover the hope and strengths inside themselves, provide guidance and encouragement as needed, and witness student milestones and achievements. 

Here's why mentoring is so important: In the foster care system, students haven't had control over even minor aspects of their lives or been taught the skills needed to successfully transition into adulthood. What, then, happens after emancipation? *
  • 51% are unemployed. 
  • 65% age out without a place to live.
  • 60% of women are pregnant by age 20.
  • Around 10% enter college; 5% graduate. 
  • Although less than 0.3% of the state’s population, 40% in homeless shelters are former foster youth, as is a corresponding percentage of the country's prison population.
We want our students be among those 5% that graduate, so our mentors walk along side to help students reach their goals.

FOS is an all volunteer organization affiliated with the Ocean Beach Community Foundation. (501(c)(3)Tax ID #33-087-1198)
 * Expanding Transitional Services for Emancipated Foster Youth: An Investment in California's Tomorrow, Children's Advocacy Institute, University of San Diego School of Law, January 2007.
Dear FOS,

If it wasn’t for your kind hearts and generous spirit, I would not have been able to accomplish my educational goals. You have not only contributed to my future but you have inspired me to help others. Thank you for taking a chance and believing in me and the youth who will come after me. As Walt Disney said: “Whatever we have accomplished has been because other people have helped us.”

Fondly yours,
Rebecca Leach, FOS graduate
To make a tax-deductible donation, click on the donate button or send check to the address below. Thank you for your support!

Fostering Opportunities 
c/o Debbie Applebee
10601 Tierrasanta Blvd., Ste. G-166
​San Diego CA 92124