This project was designed in my 2023 Social Innovations class. The idea was to create a project that addressed a social issue. I decided to tackle the idea of youth who age out of the foster care system. Upon doing some research, I found that a majority become homeless or at risk of being homeless. With this research in mind, I designed a website that provides easy to access resources for foster youth. There would be links and resources such as career help (job search, what to wear, resume help), lifestyle (housing, food, clothing), financial services, and additional resources (mental health, education, etc)
About:
Fearless Hearts is a resource provided to help youth and young adults who age out of the foster care system. Fearless Hearts aims to provide hope an guidance for youth.
Background:
As of 2020, 133 young adults age out of the foster care system.
According to the National Youth Advocate Program, more than 1/3 of youth who age out in Colorado are homeless by 21.
Challenges:
Unstable housing
Lack of education
Lack of employment / job training
Problems with health and lack of health care
Justice system involvement
Personas:
Grace
Female
18 years old
Been out of the foster care system for 3 months. She has emotional wounds that need healing, but doesn’t know where to find help. Finding a place to call home has been discouraging as she is also continuously searching for a sense of community. Since aging out, finding a job is a challenge and she left with very few resources.
Jay
Male
21 years old
Been out of the foster care system for 3 years. He has been in and out of group homes in attempts to find affordable housing, a sustainable job, and affordable food. He also hopes to attend university one day, but doesn’t know where to begin.
Solution:
4 Categories:
Career Services
Lifestyle Services
Financial Services
Additional Services
Career Services: provides resources to help with the job search and interview process.
Lifestyle Services: provides resources to help with housing and finding basic living essentials like food and clothing.
Financial Services: offers resources that aim toward temporary financial help and legal resources for any legal issues that may arise.
Additional Services: offers resources to help with education, mental health, and a family search.
Advertising Options:
Pamphlets / Leaflets: Provided to foster families, social workers, & help reception desks
Social Media Posts: A way to reach foster families
Word of Mouth
Website SEO Advertisements
Start local, but expand nationally
Resources:
Commenti