Anchor Family Program

The Anchor Family Mentorship Program is designed to provide teens and young adults from challenging backgrounds with the support and care they need to thrive. The Anchor Family model interrupts the cycles of abandonment, poverty, and trauma that these young people have experienced by creating patterns of safety, trust, and respect. Through safe and nurturing relationships, this program fosters trust, stability, and independence, breaking the cycles of abandonment, poverty, and trauma. Anchor Families bring hope and healing by simply being present, encouraging, and sharing life with their young adult matches.

Up to

2 Million

young adults ages 18-24 are homeless in the U.S..

Aged-out foster youth are

97%

likely to end up facing chronic poverty, homelessness or worse.

More than

21,000

young adults age out of Foster Care at age 18.

More than

55,000

young adults become homeless each year.

Young Adults

This program is a safe space for teens and young adults aged 16-23 to find trusted mentors and friends. Whether transitioning from foster care, reintegrating with family, or seeking stability, participants will gain vital life skills, encouragement, and community. With an Anchor Family by their side, they’ll have the support to achieve independence and personal growth.

Imagine being between 16 and 23 and facing these situations:

Wanting to make a homemade meal, but not knowing how to cook something as simple as spaghetti.
Celebrating birthdays and holidays alone, with no community or sense of belonging (something we often associate with “family”).
Preparing for your first big job interview but lacking someone to help calm your nerves and boost your confidence.
Struggling with your finances, without anyone to guide you out of the hole you’re in.
At some point, we’ve all faced moments where we needed someone to lean on, to help us up, to walk beside us, or to celebrate our wins. For most of us, these roles are filled by family—those enduring, supportive relationships that are always there.

"Our boys are adults now. We know the struggles facing young adults. Our boys were fortunate to have a strong support system as they navigated the challenges of becoming adults. We would like to provide support and encouragement for a young adult who does not have a family and support system to help them. " Neil and Amy Smith

Family

As an Anchor Family, you have the opportunity to create a lasting impact on a young person’s life. By dedicating 2-4 hours a month, you’ll engage in meaningful activities like life skill discussions, shared celebrations, and consistent encouragement. Your role is not about financial support but about offering companionship, guidance, and prayer, showing the love and care every young adult deserves.

"We want to provide support and love to a teen aging out of foster care. We are not in a place where we feel we can foster right now, but we feel this is a way we can still impact teens who have been in foster care."
Aaron and Hannah Burns, Anchor Family

What’s Expected from an Anchor Family

The Ability to Connect
Flexibility and Availability
A Desire for Connection
Commitment to Long-Term Connection

We all want to make a lasting impact on someone’s life. Building a connection with a young adult who has no one else to turn to is a powerful and meaningful way to do that.