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A community empowering foster teens for a lifetime.

Forj is dedicated to standing beside teens in foster care in Virginia through every milestone and providing the community and support they can carry with them into independent, fulfilling lives.

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Forj is a community empowering program for teens.

Why We Care

When teens age out of foster care, they often face enormous challenges on their own, putting them at higher risk of hardships like homelessness, addiction, and life-threatening situations. Every young person deserves a safe path forward, a caring community, and a real chance at a bright future.

20%

of foster care youth have experienced homelessness before age 21.

20%

of foster youth will be arrested, and one in five will be incarcerated by age 21.

43%

of former foster care children are diagnosed with PTSD, four times the rate of US veterans.

71%

of girls in foster care experience unplanned pregnancy by age 21.

VA

This doesn’t happen somewhere else.
This happens here in Virginia.

*Current statistics about foster care in Virginia as of 2023

5,062

There are currently 5,062 children in the Virginia foster care system.

8

The average age of a child entering foster care is 8.

3%

Approximately 3% of children in foster care will achieve a college degree.

49%

Only 49% of foster care youth will graduate high school.

20

On average, foster children in Virginia spend 20 months in foster care.

14%

14% of Virginia children will spend 3-4 years in foster care.

100-percent

The number of kids we
want to see succeed.

Our goal at Forj is to improve these numbers by surrounding teens in foster care with a dedicated community.

At Forj, we’re driven by a simple yet powerful mission: to transform the future for foster teens in Virginia. 

Every number you see isn’t just a statistic—it’s a young life, full of potential, waiting for the right support.

We aim to:
  • Keep teens from choosing to age out of foster care early.
  • Increase high school and college graduation rates.
  • Reduce homelessness, incarceration, and early pregnancies.
  • Empower teens to achieve personal and professional success.

Our goal is 100% success because every foster teen deserves the chance to thrive.

F
How We Help

Forj supports teens in foster care by pairing them with a robust community of compassionate, dedicated individuals.

We connect teens with mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support while cheering and standing by them and others in their circle when it matters most. Through these relationships, teens gain a community of support to help them develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges and build a positive future.

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Support

Celebrating milestones, such as birthdays and graduations – filling a void many of us may take for granted.

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Mentorship

Offering personalized mentorship to help with academic, career, independent living, and personal development.

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Career Assistance

Assisting with understanding basic financial responsibilities, helping with the job search and interview processes and other necessary support to ensure a smooth transition into adulthood.

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Network

Encouraging volunteers to become a part of the teens' lifelong support network.

Get Involved

You can support Forj by volunteering to mentor and support foster care teens or by donating to fund our activities and programs.

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Abi Santmyer

Founder

Get to know more about us.

Learn how we’re building a community that stands with foster teens every step of the way.

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FAQ

What is Forj?

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Forj is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and equipping foster teens as they transition out of the foster care system. Through mentorship, skill-building programs, and resources, Forj helps these young people navigate life’s challenges, set meaningful goals, and achieve personal success.

Our vision is to build a community that empowers foster teens for a lifetime—standing beside them through every milestone and providing the support they can carry with them into independent, fulfilling futures.

Who does Forj help?

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Forj specifically focuses on foster teens and young adults who will soon age out of the foster care system. These young individuals often face unique challenges as they enter adulthood, and Forj is here to provide the support, guidance, and resources they need to thrive.

How does Forj support foster teens?

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Forj offers mentorship programs, life skills workshops, and access to essential resources for housing, education, and job opportunities. By providing a network of caring mentors and a range of supportive programs, Forj helps foster teens gain confidence, build resilience, and plan for a successful future and we also show up when it matters; we make sure they receive birthday texts and have people who cheer loudly at their graduation!

How can I get involved?

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You can support Forj’s mission by volunteering as a mentor, donating funds or resources, or participating in our community events. Whether you're interested in one-time support or a long-term volunteer commitment, your involvement makes a direct impact on the lives of foster teens, strengthening their hope of a brighter future.

Where does my donation go?

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Your donation goes directly towards funding Forj’s programs for foster teens, including mentorship, skill-building, and access to critical resources. We prioritize transparency and maximize every dollar to ensure foster teens receive the guidance and support they need.

 

Note: Forj’s 501(c)3 designation is pending and subject to the IRS’ discretion. Once received, Forj will provide all donors with the determination for their bookkeeping purposes.

What does "aging out" mean?

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Aging out of foster care happens when a young person in the foster system reaches the age limit for foster care, typically 18 or 21, depending on state regulations, and is no longer eligible for the state’s care or support. When foster youth age out, they often lose access to many resources and services provided by the foster system, like housing assistance, healthcare, and financial support. Without a permanent family or a strong support network, many face significant challenges as they transition to adulthood, including finding stable housing, employment, and education opportunities. Programs like Forj are designed to help bridge this gap by providing mentorship, resources, and a supportive community that empowers these young people to build independent, fulfilling lives.

Is Forj only active in Virginia?

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Forj is currently based in Virginia, but we hope to expand our programs to other regions in the future. We believe that foster teens across the country can benefit from the type of support we offer, and we're excited to grow our reach as our resources allow.