Building Tomorrow's Leaders: Help Foster Youth Discover Their Leadership Potential
Your support sends promising young leaders to our transformative Leadership & Life Skills Retreat this June
Foster youth face unique challenges on their path to leadership. Many have never experienced consistent mentorship or had access to the leadership development opportunities their peers take for granted. The ISF Leadership & Life Skills Retreat provides these young people with the skills, community, and confidence they need to transform their potential into lifelong leadership. With your support, we can ensure that 10 promising students attend this life-changing experience.
“Before the retreat, I felt defeated and unsure of myself. Afterward, I walked away with confidence, friends, and a clear vision for my future”
Leadership Development That Changes Lives
Our Leadership & Life Skills Retreat goes beyond traditional leadership training. Students learn essential skills many never had the chance to develop—from financial literacy and public speaking to healthy meal planning and career navigation. They build lasting friendships with peers who understand their unique challenges and connect with mentors who've overcome similar obstacles. Most importantly, they discover the confident, capable leaders they can become.
“I wouldn’t be achieving my academic and leadership goals if not for ISF. That retreat was the turning point in my journey”
From Surviving to Leading: Real Stories of Transformation
When Marlayna entered foster care at 14, she moved seven times before aging out. She struggled with confidence, rarely spoke up, and didn't see herself as capable of leading others. After attending ISF's Leadership Retreat, she now mentors three younger students, serves on a youth advisory board, and is preparing for college with a focus on public policy. This transformation doesn't happen by accident—it happens because of supporters like you.
“At the retreat, I was guided by people who were successful but also kind and humble. It showed me what kind of leader I want to be.”
Building a Community Where Leaders Thrive
Leadership requires community. Research shows that strong peer networks are the #1 predictor of leadership success for youth from challenging backgrounds. At our retreat, students find peers who understand their unique journeys and mentors who believe in their potential. These connections extend far beyond the weekend through monthly virtual meetups, peer mentoring relationships, and a digital community platform that provides ongoing support.
“Watching these students find their tribe is like seeing lights suddenly turn on across a darkened landscape.”
Our goal is to raise $5,000 by May 15 to ensure that 10 promising foster youth can attend our June Leadership & Life Skills Retreat. We're currently at [X%] of our goal, but we need your help to reach the finish line. If we don't reach our goal, some students won't be able to attend this life-changing experience. Your gift today makes all the difference.
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Covers full retreat experience plus travel for one student (especially important for those from distant locations)
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Provides on-site retreat costs including accommodations and programming for one student
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Helps offset transportation expenses for a student to reach the retreat
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Provides essential leadership training resources for a student
Leadership Growth Happens Year-Round
While our June retreat launches transformation, leadership development requires ongoing support. Throughout the year, ISF provides monthly workshops, one-on-one mentoring, college navigation support, and community-building activities. When you give monthly, you provide the stability and consistency these emerging leaders need to continue their growth journey.
“ISF didn’t just support me at one retreat. They walked with me every step of my leadership journey—from high school through college and into my career.”
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Funds ongoing leadership workshops for one student throughout the year