Our Mission
To empower young adults aging out of the foster care system with the resources they need to achieve sustainable independence.
I AM NEXT is committed to helping former foster youths secure a stable future through housing, driver's education, and community.
Grounding
We’re grounding young adults with continued case management and support, experience, and education.
Ensuring
We’re ensuring that they have a safety net they can believe in and rely on.
Building
We’re building a foundation of hope and healing.
Research indicates that transitioning from being adolescents to becoming an independent and responsible adult is not merely a function of reaching a certain age. This intricate process, known as “emerging adulthood,” is especially crucial for former foster youth.
Young people aging out of foster care face challenges from nearly every imaginable angle.
Our mission focuses on easing those challenges, supporting these young people through every step in this crucial transition, and empowering them to build a life of sustainable independence that they can be proud of.
Our Vision
An equitable, authentic, and sustainable future for all foster youth.
I AM NEXT is more than an organization — it’s a movement focused on changing the experience for emerging adults in foster care.
To navigate the transition to adulthood, former foster youth need the stability, and the promise that comes with a safe home, the freedom that comes with accessible transportation, and the promise that comes with life skills and career development.
Youth need the stability of a safe home, the freedom provided by accessible transportation, and the support and love of a welcoming community.
That kind of steady support — social, emotional, financial, and practical — should be the standard experience.
Our vision: Starting here in Tennessee with I AM NEXT, it will be.
Our team
Realizing the NEXT vision
Nathan Harmening
Nathan began his career as a social worker in 2011, focusing on acute care for adolescents. In 2012, he relocated to Nashville, TN, where he…
Lizzy Alignamath
Lizzy Alignamath brings to the team years of nonprofit experience, work in the adoption/foster care world, and trauma-informed knowledge. While she has this as professional…
Katherine Federer
Melody joins the I Am Next development team as Development Director, bringing a stewardship-focused approach to her role. With a rich background in the music…
Chris Clemons
Chris has a diverse background in operations consulting, event management, and motorsports. He is driven by a passion for helping individuals who have experienced trauma,…
Kobe McCoin
Kobe McCoin is a development administrator and a Lived Experience expert. Having gone through the system of care himself, Kobe provides I Am Next valuable…
Josephine Amankwah
Josephine came to I am Next from the healthcare sector as a program manager. She has her bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and her MBA…
