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January Newsletter | Our Standards: Led by Youth, Guided by Experience
Foster Greatness January Newsletter | A Year of Intention
Isabel Stasa
January 05, 2026
Every month, we’ll be sharing community updates that include insights from our Thriver Stories, thoughts from Panel Discussions, and our upcoming events for the month!
January 2025
💗
January: Setting Intentions
Hi FG Member!
Hello, 2026! A Year of Purpose & Power 🌟
Happy New Year, Foster Greatness family! 🎊 Welcome to 2026—a year we’ve declared Your Year of Intention. As we step into this fresh chapter, let’s take a proud look back at the community we built together in 2025. We accomplished so much together in 2025 and are looking forward to all we will do in 2026. At Foster Greatness, we know the power that comes from building solutions and community with those who have lived experience in foster care - and everything we’ve accomplished is a true reflection of that. We’re so grateful for our incredible community of supporters, partners, and most importantly, the foster youth and alumni who inspire, inform, and lead everything we do. Let’s set our intentions to continue this great work, together!
2025 was extra special for Foster Greatness. From reaching over 2,000 Foster Greatness members to helping introduce our first ever federal legislation, the year was filled with major milestones and achievements. And we couldn’t have done any of it without the Lived Experience Experts that drive our mission forward every day. December was our time to reflect on our year of growth and transformation and we were able to do just that at our Vision Board Party and 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Competition! Let’s take a look back at the festive magic together…
 | 🖼️ Vision Board Party for 2026 YOU Our first Vision Board Party was a huge success! Foster Greatness provided dozens of former foster youth with the tools to create and map their visions and goals for 2026. 🥳 Then, everyone came together to share reflections on 2025 challenges and accomplishments, envision our 2026 goals, and talk through potential obstacles and challenges we will face working toward those goals. It was a hit! 💙 |
 | 🏠 Gingerbread House Party 🍪 Joy was on the menu at our festive contest, where nearly 100 alumni built (and occasionally nibbled on) dazzling gingerbread creations! With special kits, gift cards for extra candy, and a virtual room full of laughter, we proved that holiday magic is best shared with your chosen family. |
 | Updated FG Website! 🖥️ 🌐 Our website got a fresh new update! If you’ve been around recently, you may have seen a sneak peek. Our new website will have a direct pulse to our community and will contain up to date campaigns, events and opportunities to get involved! |
 | Most Active Members of 2025 A community is nothing without its people ❤️ Special shoutout to these top members that have stayed active by participating in posts, events and keeping the community alive throughout 2025 💪 |
Resource Highlights 🔎
💼 Str8Up Employment Services: Thriver Pathways Program
Ready to build a career on your terms? We’re launching our debut Thriver Pathways Program in partnership with Str8Up Employment Services! This cohort-based career development program was designed by people with lived experience and will guide you through understanding your strengths, navigating workplace rights, and mapping your professional future. Over two months, you’ll meet every other week, and upon completion, you’ll connect with a Career Advisor and receive a $100 award for career readiness needs. Spots are limited to 50 participants—don’t miss this chance to invest in your future! Apply in the Foster Greatness App.
Partnerships 🤝
🩺 A Home Within: Free, Long-Term Therapy 🧘🏿♀️
Your mental health is a priority. Through our new partnership with A Home Within, Foster Greatness community members can now access completely free, long-term therapy with a licensed, private practice therapist. Available virtually in 25 states, this program provides consistent, professional support to help you navigate your journey. To get started, simply submit a resource request through our platform, and our team will promptly connect you with support.
Upcoming Events 📅
🎤 Lived Experience Perspectives on the new Executive Order 🏛️
As the foster care community responds to the new "Fostering the Future" executive order, our upcoming webinar ensures lived-experience voices lead the conversation. On Wednesday, January 21st, join Foster Greatness and Youth Voices Rising to hear a powerful panel share their crucial perspectives on the policy's potential and risks. Register now to learn how we can collectively shape a more accountable path forward.
"What I Wish I Knew About Extended Foster Care" Panel 💙
Join foster care alumni for a panel on navigating extended foster care—the impacts, the unknowns, and what truly helps. Hear lived experiences, ask your questions, and leave with clarity and connection. Ready to join the conversation? Register in the Foster Greatness app and save your spot!
Community Reflections 💭
Interested in being featured in a Thriver Story and participating in an engaging panel discussion? 🎙️
We are actively seeking new and inspiring guests with lived experience in the foster system to uplift their voices and stories on the Thriver Stories podcast! If you have a story to share, we would love to hear from you. Simply fill out the form provided above, and we will get back to you with the next steps in the process. ✏️
Our Thriver Stories podcast is dedicated to highlighting the voices of individuals who have lived experience in the foster system. We aim to provide a platform for these individuals to share their unique experiences and personal journeys, all revolving around a specific topic of their choice. 💙
Participants are compensated for the time and contribution they make on our podcast show and panel conversations.
Foster Greatness’s mission is to co-create a dynamic platform with people directly impacted by the foster system to set the standard of empowerment and support. We are providing accessible, authentic connections and support by creating a lived-experience led platform. Our vision for every person who is and has been directly impacted by the foster system to feel empowered and supported.