Frequently Asked Questions

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Foster Bridge believes that it's possible for former foster youth to avoid homelessness and the criminal justice system by early adult intervention and training.

To help former foster youth successfully age in to adulthood.

Former Foster Youth (FFY) who are aging out of organized foster care (between 18-21) who are not enrolled in a full-time college or apprenticeship program and have unstable support network. Washington state.  Students choose to enter into this rigorous adult training program. FFY with more than 5 placements while in care get preferential placement as they are at the highest risk. 

Upon entry, each student will take a series of assessment tests to see where they need support. Caseworkers will be looking for skills in home economics, job training/qualifications, community support, academic expectations, and ability to network government services/websites. 

Foster-Bridge will track through surveys

· Academic progress

· Housing stability 

· Community support 

Surveys will continue for 10 years.  These surveys are an opportunity to communicate with our past clients.  Surveys also contain links to job opportunities, scholarships, cooking tips, health reminders, and news from the school.  

Location for the facility is a renovated hotel in Renton, WA.  

The restaurant, where students have paid employment, is located inside the building.  

Much of Renton is a blue-collar community, heavy on industry and commuters.  There are more than a dozen colleges/universities within 1 hour drive to attract employees and to partner with for therapy hours.  Depending on traffic, it is 15 min to SeaTac airport, 45 min to Seattle, and 1.5 hours to Olympia. 

Foster-Bridge is a 501(c)3 

It is responsible for the students, properties, therapists, caseworkers., insurance, overhead, fundraising, partnerships.

The Restaurant is an· LLC (wholly owned by the nonprofit) for the restaurant/gift shop (job training, renting land from charity,)

Between 40 and 50 students.

There are 30 beds, depending on specific needs of the site.  Expectation is that the site runs at 80% capacity.   Students leave the program when they are ready, so the number of occupied beds vary.  There is 12-month maximum and the average stay is just under 6 months.