Each May, communities across the nation observe National Foster Care Awareness Month—a time to honor the resilience of foster youth and the people who support them through their journeys. Six percent of children in the United States spend time in foster care, with a child entering foster care every 150 seconds in the United States. In Collier County, approximately 300 children are currently in foster care, many having entered the system due to circumstances that no child should face, including abuse, neglect, addiction, or human trafficking. Despite these challenges, May also serves as a reminder of the power of community and the positive change that organizations like Fostering Success are creating every day.
For over 26 years, Fostering Success has been a lifeline for foster children in Southwest Florida. Based in Naples, the nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing foster youth with a sense of stability, encouragement, and opportunity—things every child deserves but not all receive. Through a wide range of programs that focus on education, enrichment, and essential needs, Fostering Success helps children build brighter futures. Their mission is clear: to provide strategic education and enrichment opportunities that enable foster children to reach their full potential.
“Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and we provide the resources and support that allow foster youth to dream bigger and achieve more,” said CEO Ann Hughes.
The organization’s work begins early, with programs aimed at the youngest children in the system. The Ready for Kindergarten program places preschool-aged foster children in high-quality early learning centers, laying the groundwork for long-term academic success. For school-aged youth, Fostering Success offers academic mentoring that matches students with tutors throughout their educational journey. While the national high school graduation rate for foster children is just 50 percent, the impact of this program has been remarkable—every senior enrolled in Fostering Success’s tutoring program graduated.
As students move beyond high school, the organization continues its support through annual scholarships, helping young adults attend college or technical school. For those aging out of the foster care system, often without the safety net of a family, the organization offers its Thriving After Care initiative. This program equips young adults with essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, applying for jobs, building a resume, and finding housing. It provides guidance during what is often one of the most vulnerable transitions in a young person’s life.
Fostering Success knows that meeting only educational needs is not enough. The organization also addresses basic necessities, supplying foster families with critical items like diapers, beds, school uniforms, clothing, and backpacks. This support helps relieve the financial burden on foster families and ensures the children are safe, comfortable, and ready to learn.
Equally important are the programs that nourish the emotional and creative development of foster youth. Through its Heartstrings Arts & Music program, Fostering Success gives children the opportunity to explore music, art, dance, and theater. These experiences offer an outlet for self-expression and healing, while also bringing joy into their lives. Athletic programs further enhance a child’s growth, allowing them to participate in sports they may have never had access to before. These activities help children gain confidence, make friends, and experience a sense of belonging.
As the school year comes to a close, Fostering Success shifts into summer mode with camps designed to keep children engaged, active, and inspired. These camps allow kids to explore new interests in a safe and supportive environment.
The impact of Fostering Success is made possible by the compassion and generosity of the community. As a privately funded nonprofit, the organization relies on donations and volunteerism to sustain its programs. From tutoring and mentoring to donating school supplies and hosting fundraisers, there are countless ways individuals can get involved and make a difference.
3050 Horseshoe Drive North
Unit 260, Naples, FL 34104
For additional information, call
239-262-1808 or visit https://fosteringsuccess.net