The Need

Their support system vanishes overnight. We don't.

By age 21, young adults aging out of foster care in Utah face greater obstacles in the transition to adulthood than their peers. Without immediate access to reliable resources or a consistent network of support, they are left to navigate adulthood entirely alone. The outcomes are stark:

Poverty: About 74% of youth who age out of foster care in Utah live below the federal poverty level.
Employment: Only 16% manage to find full-time employment.
Homelessness: 26% of Utah's young adults leaving care experience homelessness by age 19.
Higher Education Rates: Within three years of exiting care, roughly 18.6% attend applied technology colleges, 10.6% attend community colleges, and 10.2% attend universities.
Incarceration: About 34% have a misdemeanor or felony arrest record during or immediately following their transition out of care.

Left isolated, these emerging adults are often unprepared to manage the complex demands of independent living.

Our Solution

We believe our participants are already Creative, Capable, and Whole. We partner with young adults aging out of foster care (18-26), cultivating the flames of their own potential so they can reclaim their wings and rise higher than they ever thought possible.

How We Support:

Mental Health: Empowered wellness through individual therapy provided by a network of specialized providers, group connection, and innovative care. Always by choice.
Educational Tools: Flexible, self-guided online life skills courses based entirely on their personal interests and current goals.
Community Connection: Monthly activities, community events, a safe space to meet, and meaningful mentorship to build lasting, real-world relationships.
Individualized Support: Targeted resources and assistance designed to remove immediate hurdles and equip them for long-term independence.

Getting Involved

Chart Your Course.

For Young Adults: Ready to rise toward a brighter future? We recognize that every journey is different and champion your personal autonomy, offering individualized support to help you reach your unique goals.
For Volunteers: We are building a community that leads with compassion. We welcome foster care alumni and community members who are eager to provide their time, expertise, and guidance to help the next generation fly higher.
For Donors: Invest in a brighter future. Your support fans the flames of boundless potential, directly equipping these resilient young adults with the tools and resources they need to achieve long-term independence.

About On Rising Wings