“Route 21 understands what youth aging out of foster care need - family and community. Their proposed long term mentoring program will provide a stable and consistent community of mentors and peers who can relate to each other and build relationships. I fully endorse Route 21.”

"As a child welfare professional with 18 years of first-hand experience in the foster care system, I believe Route 21’s proposed mentoring model is the right step to successfully equip young adults with the necessary tools while transitioning from foster care into adulthood. Route 21’s model presents an opportunity for young adults and their peer mentors to establish relational permanency: long, lasting, and loving relationships."

“As someone who experienced foster care for half of my childhood, I am truly impressed by the Route 21 mentoring model. This model will meet the needs of foster youth by addressing the need for mentorship and guidance, providing a critical sense of community, teaching life skills, and allowing for fun and connection. As a former foster youth, I can assure you that this combination of support will lead to success for a population that is often forgotten.”

“For youth able to persevere through trauma and adversity, it’s often because of the game-changing power of relationship and the presence of one, caring adult in their lives. Route 21's model of providing consistent community and a stable one-on-one relationship from a mentor who has also been impacted by foster care points those aging out towards health, a fulfilling life and internalizing their invaluable worth.“

“From the perspective of my faith, the model of Jesus was to show up in the flesh. This is the good news, and this is where the heavy lifting, sacrificial, work is always being done. Not only does Route 21 understand this critical ingredient for transformation, they are applying this relational wisdom to those in high relational need who are also going through a high transition season. Their leadership is proven, they will bring good news, hope, skills, and stability to all in their path!”

“Studies show that youth who have endured trauma heal best through social connection. Route 21’s proposed mentoring model will provide consistent and meaningful relationship with society’s most vulnerable population - teens aging out of the foster care system. I fully endorse this program. It just makes sense!”

“Mentorship matters! It would be wonderful if all youth could have access to 7 years of mentoring. And having a mentor who shares similar life experiences with you, but have overcome the challenges, makes it relatable. This has the potential to impact the lives of so many youth impacted by foster care, and that’s why I support Route 21!”

Route 21’s concept is a long-overdue missing resource for the foster care community. By providing critical opportunities for healthy holistic development Route 21 will serve both mentees and mentors in the foster care community. Sadly there are far too many young people in foster care in need of mentors and a dearth of mentors available, let alone those who can speak from personal experience. The best time to launch Route 21 was years ago, the next best time is now.