Things You Might Not Know About The New Foster Care’s Work Behind the Scenes

When people hear “foster care,” they often picture day-to-day support for youth. But much of The New Foster Care’s impact happens quietly, behind the scenes. From building housing solutions to advancing statewide policy, here are some of the things you might not know about our work.

1. We Empower Youth for the Long Run

Our Bridge Program isn’t just about meeting immediate needs. Participants work with a team that includes a Transition Navigator, Peer Support Specialist, Personal Wellness Coach, and Attorney. Together, they build a vision for the future across five life domains: education, employment, housing, mental & physical health, and community connections. This level of wraparound support takes careful planning and coordination—and it changes lives.

2. We’re Transforming Housing Solutions

One of our biggest behind-the-scenes efforts is Hope Apartments, a groundbreaking redevelopment project in Oakland County. What was once the most blighted building in the area is becoming 275 supportive housing units, plus a 60,000-square-foot community center and 30,000-square-foot office space. It’s the largest investment of its kind for youth aging out of foster care in U.S. history—and when we prove out this model, ending homelessness and incarceration for this population moves within reach.

3. We Rely on a Network of Partners

We couldn’t do this work alone. Our collaboration with CarePortal connects participants to churches and community members able to meet urgent resource needs—helping fill gaps many people don’t see. We also partner with Fostering Success Michigan, a statewide initiative focused on helping youth with experience in foster care access higher education and post-college careers. Their support in coaching, campus connections, and advocacy strengthens The New Foster Care's work in the education domain. And there are many more partners—schools, nonprofits, faith communities, and state agencies—who make our programs and services possible every day.

4. We Drive Policy and System Change

Beyond direct services, we partner with the State of Michigan to develop innovative pilot programs and push for legislative changes that put youth and families first. These behind-the-scenes efforts may not make headlines, but they’re essential for creating a foster care system that works better for everyone.

5. We Face Unique Challenges Daily

Behind the scenes, our team helps youth navigate challenges that are often invisible to the public. Affordable housing and reliable transportation remain scarce, making it difficult for young adults to get to work, school, or even healthcare appointments. Many face barriers to employment, needing not only job opportunities but also the coaching and encouragement to succeed.

Perhaps the most complex challenge of all is building trust. Many youth come to us having experienced instability or broken relationships. It takes time, consistency, and patience for our navigators and coaches to earn that trust and show that this time, someone will walk alongside them for the long run.

At The New Foster Care, these behind-the-scenes efforts are where transformation begins. It’s in the patient work of building trust, the vision of housing projects like Hope Apartments, and the power of partnerships that weave together a stronger safety net. Together, these efforts create a future where youth aging out of foster care have the stability and opportunities they deserve.