In Harford County, a quiet but powerful movement is taking root to support youth in foster care, one of our most vulnerable populations. The local chapter of The Forgotten Initiative, a national faith-based nonprofit, is dedicated to making sure these young people aren’t left to navigate life’s biggest transitions alone.
Led by a team of volunteers and supported by local churches like Christ Fellowship and Freedom Church, The Forgotten Initiative in Harford isn’t a foster care provider. Instead, they come alongside the foster care community including agency workers, resource families, and teens, to provide practical help and deep relational support. Their mission is grounded in the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, known, and prepared for what’s ahead.
At the heart of their work is a monthly gathering called Life Skills 101. Held on the first Monday of each month, the program brings foster youth together for dinner and interactive workshops focused on essential life skills like budgeting, resume building, cooking, and navigating healthcare. But what sets these evenings apart is the atmosphere. Volunteers don’t just show up to teach, they show up to connect, to listen, and to walk with these teens as they prepare for adulthood.
The need for this kind of support is real. Many young people aging out of the foster care system face overwhelming odds including housing instability, financial insecurity, and a lack of trusted adults in their lives. By creating a consistent, safe space rooted in relationship and dignity, The Forgotten Initiative is filling a critical gap in the system.
It’s not just the youth who benefit. Volunteers often describe the experience as deeply fulfilling, and local churches have found new ways to engage with the community in meaningful, lasting ways. Every dollar donated to the Harford chapter stays local, helping keep these programs running and growing.
The Forgotten Initiative isn’t a large organization, but its impact is unmistakable. It reminds us that sometimes, the most powerful change comes not from sweeping systems, but from small acts of consistent care.
To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit theforgotteninitiative.org/harfordmd/ or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/tfi.harford.md.
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