Our Mission
from the website: "Our vision is to improve the lives of children in foster care, who often find themselves forgotten and neglected by the public."
How Your Donations Help
- $165 provides 1 bicycle and helmet for a child in foster care
- $30 provides 1 Sweet Case to a child in foster care
- $30 provides 1 Birthday Box for a kid in foster care
- $30 provides 1 Superhero Box for a kid in foster care
- $55 provides 1 back-to-school pack for a foster child
- $65 provides 1 STEM Box to a foster child
- $100 provides 1 skateboard and helmet for a kid in foster care
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Our Impact
about 5 years ago — United States
These sisters are so excited to have their own Sweet Cases! When children enter foster care, they are often provided one to two black trash bags to move their few belongings in. Not only does this put the pressure of condensing necessities on children who are already experiencing unimaginable trauma, it portrays to the child that their belongings are akin to garbage. To address this, TWR developed Sweet Cases. Sweet Cases are personally designed, brand new duffle bags that are filled with comfort items and necessities such as a teddy bear, a hygiene kit, a blanket, a pillow, art supplies, and a personalized note. With a Sweet Case in hand, foster youth now have a bag that will stay with them throughout their journey, providing them comfort and storage no matter where they are or where they go. TWR provides an average of 50,000 Sweet Cases annually.
over 4 years ago — United States
These girls are unleashing their inner superhero! Despite the best efforts of professionals in the human services field, navigating the foster care system continues to be a challenging and traumatic experience for children. 14% of children in foster care experience depression, which is seven times higher than the national average. Additionally, many foster youth report feelings of helplessness as they undergo a substantial adjustment of their day-to-day lives. To remedy this, TWR developed the Superhero Box program to remind foster youth that they are S.U.P.E.R. (Self Assured, Uplifted, Proud, Empowered, and Resilient). Superhero Boxes come packed with a cape, mask, power cuffs, and bracelet so that each child can look like the hero they truly are. We also include a pencil, eraser, pencil pouch, a bouncy ball, temporary tattoos, and a Hero ID card. Lastly, we add in a super pillowcase so that the adventure can continue even while they’re dreaming. On average, TWR provides 4,000 superhero boxes annually.
over 3 years ago — United States
These young ladies are having a "blast" playing with their STEM Boxes! Less than half of youth who have experienced foster care graduate from high school. Of that already small number, only 3% of foster youth will go on to graduate from college. These shocking statistics are what inspired TWR to develop the STEM Box program. Each box contains four science experiments that focus on the four elements of STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. We include a fun project for each of these areas, including a dinosaur dig kit, waddle bot, catapult, and tangram puzzle. Together, these activities demonstrate that STEM learning is exciting, innovative, and accessible. In addition to the science experiments, each box contains a special lab notebook, lab coat, safety goggles, name badge, and a complete lightbulb cup. By providing foster youth with these age-appropriate, interactive, and engaging STEM activities, we instill in these children a love and appreciation for learning. Research indicates that early engagement with STEM projects enhances critical thinking skills, strengthens communication skills, and encourages intuition. These skills are crucial as foster youth enter adulthood. Unfortunately, approximately half of foster youth exiting the system end up experiencing homelessness. These children often have no support system and have not been provided the same level of opportunities their peers have. The United States Bureau of Labor estimates that jobs within the field of STEM are expected to grow 13% between now and 2027, making this field ideal for the next generation entering the workforce. By creating a love for learning and an early appreciation for a stable field, TWR hopes to drastically change these statistics within the community. To date, approximately 5,000 STEM Boxes have been provided to foster youth.
almost 3 years ago — United States
These kiddos are so excited to have received their own personalized holiday stockings from Together We Rise! Each stocking is packed with goodies as well as a $25 gift card for the child to spend on whatever they wish for during the magical holiday season.
about 5 years ago — Anaheim, California
These kiddos are living it up with their siblings at Disneyland! Each year, Together We Rise reunites hundreds of siblings who have been separated by the foster care system for a day of unforgettable fun at Disneyland. Kids are treated like the VIPs they are with their own personal photographer, snack and drink provider, and dedicated volunteer groups. Despite the fact that nearly 70% of all kids who enter care do so alongside siblings, less than 10% are able to remain together. This event provides children with positive memories with their siblings while they navigate the trauma of separation.
Causes We Support
Countries We Serve
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Foster youth live at the intersection of some of our country's most pressing social issues including racism, homelessness, food insecurity, academic inequities, and human trafficking among others. The following are the ways in which Together We Rise relates to the global challenges specified: 1. NO POVERTY: Upon aging out, one out of every five foster youth becomes instantly homeless. Within 18 months of aging out, 50% of foster youth will become homeless and/or incarcerated. Of the entire homeless population in the country, 50% report having spent time in the foster care system. Studies report that the vast majority of former foster youth survive at or below 130% AMI with most qualifying at or below 80%. These major disparities, risks, and challenges are the direct result of a serious lack of support and services for kids in care. Through Together We Rise's various programs, the nonprofit works with this population to make an impact on the outcomes and well-being of current and former foster youth. 2. GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: Foster youth continue to be one of the most vulnerable populations among us when it comes to physical health, emotional health, and overall well-being. Many of Together We Rise's programs (such as Bike Builds and Build A Board) provide foster youth with access to unprecedented resources and items that encourage physical activity, help them establish healthy extracurricular activities, and improve feelings of control amongst a population that is often stripped of their agency. Through our reputable Rapid Response program, TWR also reduces the number of former foster youth experiencing hunger by securing emergency grocery and food supplies. Lastly, TWR uses a variety of means to improve the emotional health of current and former foster youth, including taking them on shopping sprees, providing them with memory-filled days at Disneyland, or creating a family-like support system for them to thrive in. 3. QUALITY EDUCATION: Together We Rise strongly believes everyone should have access to quality education. With education often being the predicate to a healthy, successful life, it is unfair to continue to limit the access of underserved populations. Despite the fact that almost 100% of high school foster youth report dreams of attending college, only 50% will graduate with a diploma. Of that small number, only 3% will go on to graduate from college. TWR's three inclusive and accessible academic programs work to make an impact on this statistic, providing access to quality education for a population that has classically been withheld the luxury of receiving an education. 4. DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH: Foster youth continue to be one of the most underemployed populations in our entire country. Individuals who have experienced the foster care system often lack the resources the rest of us take for granted. Without these resources, transition-age youth are severely limited in scope when it comes to workforce revitalization. Together We Rise has launched the American Industry scholarship program for current and former foster youth who are pursuing a trade degree/certification at a two-year college or vocational-technical school. The American Industries Scholarship provides access to academic and workforce opportunities for America’s current and former foster youth. To accomplish this, scholarship recipients receive up to $10,000 annually for up to two years in an effort to alleviate the financial burdens associated with securing a trade certification, licensure, and/or vocational degree. To ensure their long-term success, recipients will also receive access to personal mentorship and career development services. By investing in our scholars, Together We Rise also invests in an innovative, successful future for America’s workforce. 5. REDUCED INEQUALITIES: Foster youth suffer from inequities that impact their ability to access vital resources. Though the challenges and risks facing this population are harrowing enough, they are only indicative of a majority white population. When considering BIPOC and/or queer foster youth, the challenges and risks only increase exponentially. TWR prioritizes services for youth who experience further risks due to race, gender, religion, and orientation in an attempt to provide equity to a classically underserved population.