Women United is dedicated to ensuring local foster youth are prepared for a successful transition to independence and ready for success in life. While many youth in foster care are working to overcome challenges, the COVID pandemic has added even more barriers. 

Financial Stability for Foster Youth

Last year, Women United created more than 145 Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) for local foster youth. These IDAs are matched savings accounts that help cover basic necessities and education-related expenses for emancipated foster youth. These accounts can make a lasting and significant difference.

• Renew or make an additional gift through United Way Women United. Our goal is to get as many of these accounts into our local foster youths’ hands as possible. 
• Youth in foster care need to hear from us more than ever. The trauma from the lack of social interactions can make a lasting effect. Join our ongoing Women United volunteer activity and write some encouraging words to our local foster youth during this time. 

“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and stable nurturing environment free from fear, abuse and neglect.”
– Governor Gavin Newsom

Stay Engaged for Youth in Foster Care

• Remain connected to the foster community through Women United, so we may understand their needs and how best to support them during this changing time. We rely on communication from local nonprofit partners as well as the community.
• United Way of California created a Kinship Navigator. This one-stop navigator will meet the immediate needs of kinship caregivers and foster parents helping them locate nearby resources, access benefits and/or receive general support.