Workforce Development
Our Workforce Development Program is designed specifically for system-impacted youth and young adults. We recognize that employment is about more than finding a job; it requires stability, confidence, trusted relationships, and the opportunity to grow at a pace that honors each person's journey.
Age range served
Program cycle with ongoing mentorship
Lived-experience led facilitation
I AM Foster KID is currently accepting collaborations from caseworkers, probation officers, indigenous liaisons, and community organizations.
What Makes Our Program Different?
Traditional workforce programs often measure success by whether a young person gets a job. We measure success by whether they are truly prepared to sustain one.
Designed specifically for system-impacted youth and young adults, our program recognizes that employment readiness extends beyond job skills. Healing from trauma, securing stable housing, accessing transportation, managing mental health, navigating recovery, and overcoming other barriers all play a critical role in long-term employment success.
Rather than expecting participants to navigate these challenges alone, we provide a Landing Site—a supportive environment where youth can identify unmet needs, receive guidance from Lived Experts, and access individualized peer support before, during, and throughout their employment journey.
Through intentional warm handoffs to trusted community partners, participants are connected to the resources and services they need to build stability and confidence. This integrated approach allows young people to address barriers without jeopardizing their employment goals, creating a pathway to meaningful work that is sustainable, not just immediate.
We don't measure success by a first paycheck alone.
We measure success by helping young people discover their strengths, overcome barriers, develop confidence, maintain employment, and strengthen cultural/community engagement.