You are not
alone.
Support for former foster youth as they exit the Texas foster system.
Our youth deserve better.
Full independence at age 18 is a tall order, even under the best circumstances. But we continue to expect miracles from our most vulnerable. Unlimited Potential works to bring all available resources within reach while supplying a few essentials of our own. With the right tools and support, young men and women who have aged out of the Texas foster system can confidently prepare themselves for a better tomorrow.
Life skills.
The four categories of skills known collectively as “life skills” are some of the most valuable tools a person can wield as they enter adulthood. This includes citizenship, learning, personal empowerment, and employability. These skills empower you, boost your employability, enhance your learning ability, and encourage active citizenship. Skills include resume building, cooking, basic home repairs, interviewing skills and more.
Housing
UP is ONE of the select few programs nationwide that helps facilitate Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) housing voucher program.
Transportation
We provide limited transportation for purposes like medical services and job interviews. With further support from the community, we hope to expand the availability of transportation services.
Case Management
"You don't have to manage everything on your own" - UP's trained case managers provide 1 on 1 assistance to help you make a plan and work toward reaching your goals. They know how to help keep you on track.
Counseling.
When you’ve experienced emotional turmoil, hardship, or a lack of dependable support, talk therapy can help you find clarity in the present, peace about the past, and hope for the future. Unlimited Potential provides free professional counseling to clients.
4,000 former foster youth all across the nation become homeless every year.
“You’re not alone” doesn’t quite cover it. More than 20,000 foster kids age out every year, and 20% of them immediately become homeless. Once a foster youth turns 18, they are taken out of the system and asked where they want to go— many are dropped off at homeless shelters. No support system. Little to no financial help. Just an uphill, empty-handed battle.
20% of youth who were in foster care will become homeless within the first year of exiting the foster care system.
Only 1 out of 2 will have some form of gainful employment by the age of 24
7 out of 10 females will become pregnant by age 21
30% of all foster youth leave foster care having met lifetime diagnostic criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Less than 3% chance that these young adults will earn a college degree at any point in their life.
Within two years of aging out, 25% of former foster youth will become involved with the criminal justice system
What is Unlimited Potential of Brazos Valley?
Unlimited Potential is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 under Voices for Children CASA of the Brazos Valley. Our mission is to create a positive and resourceful environment for youth who have aged out of foster care in Texas. We believe in their unlimited potential.