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This Giving Tuesday, join us in making a lasting difference in the lives of youth in foster care.
Tuesday, November 28
read our stories
Every day, Braid Teams are using their powers for good to fight the injustices of foster care.
Learn how they’re transforming lives by showing up for their youth.
Role Models to the Rescue
For a year, Ammiel’s wife nudged him to start volunteering: “Braid needs male mentors!”
After hearing his wife’s pitch, Ammiel decided to try it out. He was placed with an existing mentorship team and equipped with everything he needed to jump in. He quickly realized what his wife already knew: It was a natural fit.
The most rewarding part of mentoring has been building a relationship with Alex* and watching him grow. During a game of laser tag, Ammiel was so proud when Alex stood up to a bully pestering another kid.
“He's always been a very compassionate and thoughtful person,” Ammiel says. “I loved seeing Alex’s kindness extend outside his family towards someone he didn't even know.”
We’re so grateful for our Everyday Superheroes like Ammiel who has now served with Braid for two years. Because of his commitment, Alex has a male role model he can look up to and share life with.
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*Names changed for privacy
Hope Saves the Day
As a grandmother, Alice* felt helpless.
She couldn’t fix the challenges in her daughter’s life, and now she had to watch her teenage grandson, Jack*, struggle without a stable home life. He was regularly getting in trouble, facing bullies at school, and considering running away from home.
After getting matched with a Braid group, life started to change for Jack and Alice.
Jack’s mentors had also experienced difficulties in their childhoods. But now their lives were completely transformed. They proved that adults could overcome incredible challenges to lead successful, meaningful lives.
Thanks to the influence of his Braid team, Jack started volunteering, eating healthier foods, developing hobbies, and setting goals. He says his new habits were a “boost to my whole life.” Today, Alice and Jack are still regularly in touch with their Braid mentor team and Jack is pursuing a biochemistry degree.
When Everyday Superheroes show up, they offer hope for a different future!
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*Names changed for privacy
Braid Teams Assemble
When Zoe* joined the Braid mentorship program as a tween in foster care, she thought it would just mean more therapy.
But from day one, she was thrilled to discover her new mentors were more like built-in friends than therapists. Thanks to her Braid Team, Zoe had a safe, consistent outlet for six years. Regardless of what was happening at home, she knew she could count on her Braid Team to show up and spend quality time with her.
Zoe is one of many teens in foster care who experience transformative friendships thanks to their mentors. And behind every Braid Team and every special memory are our amazing facilitators!
Facilitators are the glue holding our League of Everyday Superheroes together. Every week, they provide behind-the-scenes support to mentors, field questions from their team, and can step in to navigate concerns with mentors, mentees, social workers, or family members.
When we all play our special role, we can contribute to lasting change and healing!
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*Names changed for privacy
The Sky's the Limit
Foster youth are much more likely to be chronically absent, get suspended, and drop out of school altogether than their peers.
For students like Anthony, home-life disruptions can be a hurdle to graduation. When he lost his father in 2019, Anthony’s older brother became his primary caregiver.
“Younger me definitely didn’t think I’d make it that far or graduate high school,” he says. The grief of losing his father and lack of stability made it difficult for him to imagine a positive future.
In December 2019, Anthony was matched with a Braid Team. They became his biggest cheerleaders, supporting his hard work in high school and helping him navigate any challenges.
This spring, Anthony graduated high school and is now attending San Francisco State University! Our entire Braid community is so proud of Anthony and his outstanding achievements.
Our League of Everyday Superheroes comes alongside youth every day to help them accomplish their goals and dream big!
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*Names changed for privacy
Would you be 1 of 65?
This Giving Tuesday, we’re raising $10,000—so more youth can receive the mentorship and support they need to look forward to a brighter future.
To get there, we need…
$100
$250
$500
When you give on November 28, you’re helping heal the wounds of foster care!
JOIN THE LEAGUE
YOU have the opportunity to join the League of Everyday Superheroes. Save the date to help save the day this Giving Tuesday!