Get Involved

Each year, nearly 20,000 foster youth nationwide emancipate from the foster care system. In Alameda County between 300-400 youth leave foster care annually. With little education, few job skills, and often physical and mental health concerns, Alameda County's emancipated youth are at very high risk for homelessness, substance abuse, unintended pregnancy, and incarceration.

Consider these facts:

Up to 50% of foster youth will experience homelessness at some point after leaving the system.
Rates of PTSD are higher among former foster youth than war veterans.
Over 70% of all state penitentiary inmates have spent time in foster care.
65% of youth leaving care do so with nowhere to live.
Some County services are available for youth who have left care. However, on their own for the first time and lacking familial support, these young adults often do not know how to navigate complex systems in order to access available programs. And public services just don't go far enough.

Thankfully, B:E is here to help. Through comprehensive case management, employment and education assistance, transitional housing, and leadership training, we help former foster youth make successful transitions to adulthood and independent living. And with your support, we can accomplish much more.

There are many ways you can help us provide services and programs to help former foster youth succeed.

Make a gift!

Send in your donation or make it by credit card.

Make an in-kind donation!

We can make good use of many items in our programs: from nonperishable food for hungry youth… to kitchen and bath items for that first apartment. View our wish list.

Volunteer!

There are many volunteer opportunities available. Whatever your skills and interests, we can find a place for you to use them.