Route 21: A mentoring on-ramp to a connected future.
Mission: Find young adults who grew up in foster care to be paid and supported to mentor youth currently in care.
Vision: Youth aging out of foster care who are prepared to reach their highest potential.
Our Unique and Effective Mentoring Model
The Route 21 mentoring model has been refined over a period of 10 years while serving the most vulnerable and underserved youth.
It has proven outcomes to show its effectiveness.
"Pit Crew"

A team that helps refresh, equip and care for the Mentor.
Mentor

Young adults who also grew up in care are paid to be a mentor to youth currently in care.
Youth

High school aged youth currently in care are mentored by someone who grew up in care themselves.
1,000 YEARS
Route 21 is working on putting 1,000 years of experience into it’s new curriculum to tailor to the needs of youth in care. The advice is coming from youth in care, those that grew up in care, foster care parents and those who work in the field. Do you know someone in one of those four categories? We would love to meet them and learn from their experiences. Contact Us
0
Years So Far
STOP
Homeless
0
%
30% of homeless peoplegrew up in foster care.
Prison
0
%
18% of prisoners grewup in foster care.
* See our statistics page for references.
“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.”
Fernando ClaraDirector of Practice Innovation at The Mockingbird Society.
"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.”
Trent TaylorCEO of Watch Me Rise, LLC
“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.“
Jillana GobleFounder & Consultant with Every Child Oregon, Foster parent
“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!”
Chris GoughBoard member for Foster Support Faith Alliance
“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!”
Sarah DesjarlaisFounder and Executive Director of Fosterful, former foster parent
“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!”
Cedric DavisKinship Parent and Senior Philanthropic Advisor for Seattle Foundation
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.
Charles NewellCurrent Foster Parent
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