Meet the Team Behind: Best Foot Forward

Best Foot Forward works to give foster children and other at-risk youth educational opportunities to help them maximize their potential. By providing academic support, guidance, school supplies, and more, Best Foot Forward is helping kids break the cycle of hardship via education. Learn more here! 

How did Best Foot Forward start? 

Best Foot Forward was born from two PTA presidents embarking on a middle school service project, where they volunteered at a local youth shelter. It became clear to them that the kids in this shelter needed help, and they launched a program devoted to the education of foster care youth in 2010. BFF started working with seniors in high school, eventually opening the program up to 9th graders, and then lowering the age range to 3rd grade and again to kindergarten. As they noticed trends like poor reading abilities, lack of test taking skills, and more, they catered the programs to best support students. The team of two mothers has grown to a whole staff and volunteers who keep the mission going of giving every child a fighting chance at educational success. 

Can you tell me about your approach? 

Our innovative programs combine educational planning, mentoring, and support. We believe that positive school experiences enhance the well-being of foster care youth, improve their academic success, and ultimately reduce behavioral issues. We meet regularly with students at their schools, review all assignments and grades with them, and facilitate school and child welfare team communication. Our approach is led by coaches who work with students from kindergarten through college, providing one-on-one support to help students graduate with plans for their futures.

What are your programs?

Foundations is our K-7th grade program to help children develop basic skills, identify their learning issues, emphasize their reading redemption, and teach them how to properly study, take tests, and problem solve. Grounded For Life is our 8th-12th grade program that motivates students to engage and invest in their educational futures. We create educational plans, figure out diploma options, provide individual tutoring, and strategize for post-secondary success. College and Beyond is our college program, which offers guidance and support to foster youth as they navigate financial aid, scholarships, course selection, registration, accommodations, and more. 

How can individuals get involved in your work? 

You can be an as-needed or weekly volunteer to help with tasks in the office, events, and short term projects. People bring in homemade baked goods for our foster kids, or help with decorating events and wrapping presents during the holidays. We often need tutors for our middle school, high school, and college students who need some extra support. We would love to have help planning events, hosting drives to collect items for students, and raising money for our programs.