Becoming Unstoppable
Foster Nation
From short-term solutions to lifelong support
Foster Nation joined the Purple Paladin community with a goal to provide immediate support to foster youth aging out of the foster care system. “Our focus was post-COVID emergency and crisis intervention. Now, we’re thinking long-term,” said co-founder and executive director Maggie Lin.
In Maggie’s own words, discover how Foster Nation helps youth and young adults bridge the gap between exiting the foster care system and independent adulthood.
“I’m Maggie Lin. And I’m becoming unstoppable.”
Just before we were invited to join the Purple Paladin community, Foster Nation became a 501(c)(3). It was a time of a lot of unknowns — like being a baby bird in a nest knowing you had to use your wings for the first time. And Grant Thornton helped us see that we were ready to take flight.
That boost catapulted us into launching initiatives like our career mentorship program, Sparks. Today, I’m proud of the range of programs we’ve launched to meet the many, changing needs of current and former foster youth. Let me walk you through our journey so far.
Foster Nation: Our journey (so far)
“Becoming a Purple Paladin gave us a foundation, knowing that we had the support we needed to turn our ideas into reality — and the ways Grant Thornton stepped in went far beyond just financial contribution. It really feels like having family behind us to lift us up.”
- Maggie Lin
Co-founder and Executive Director, Foster Nation
As a Purple Paladin, we’re becoming unstoppable.
We're helping foster youth in every stage of their journey.
Becoming a Purple Paladin gave us the confidence to get our ideas off the ground and today, I’m so proud of programs like Sparks that empower foster youth to become self-sufficient. Sparks has served more than 100 foster youth every year since launching, and we're hoping to serve 300 foster youth in the next year alone. In 2023, 90% of coachees saw an overall improvement in their work performance, 86% gained confidence in their professional goals and 77% saw an improvement in their GPA and academic performance. And through new programs, we’re working to provide youth with exactly what they need, when they need it. From building emancipation “Next Step Kits” that include grocery store gift cards, toiletries, blankets and more, to our new programs that support youth under age 18, we aim to support all foster youth before, during and after their transition from the foster care system.
We have a bigger team to support our work.
When we became a Purple Paladin, we were a team of one: me. Now, we have three full-time staff members, two interns and plans for two more hires this year. Our partnerships have grown, too. By teaming up with organizations like the Department of Children and Family Services, the Compton Unified School District, One Simple Wish, Junior Achievement and even other Purple Paladins like Find Your Anchor, we aren’t duplicating the work of meaningful organizations that already exist — we’re using the power of collaboration to provide the best possible support for our community.
We’re reaching more current and former foster youth than ever.
When we first became a Purple Paladin, we served less than 500 youth. In 2023, we reached more than 1,200, and we expect our impact to be even greater this year. We’re also expanding our programming to foster youth ages 16 to 18 for the first time with support preparing them to exit the system. For even younger children, our teddy bear collection program provides youth entering foster care with a comforting companion they don’t have to leave behind.
A partnership that goes beyond the expected
In our journey since beginning our Sparks program, we’ve been thrilled to see several Grant Thornton team members like Donna and Stephen serve as coaches. Our coaches contribute their time, talent and expertise to support former foster youth in their career journeys as they navigate the many other challenges that come up with aging out of foster care.
Grant Thornton is different because they care.
What impresses me most about Grant Thornton is how supportive they were of our goals from the beginning — they push us toward our vision for the future.
Grant Thornton provides collaboration — and confidence.
From helping with tax forms to encouraging colleagues to volunteer, we’ve counted on the Grant Thornton team in so many ways beyond fundraising.
They continue to show up.
Three years after becoming a Purple Paladin, our relationship is just as strong as day one — if not stronger.
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