I Am Next isn’t just a program. It’s a community movement built to level the playing field for young adults transitioning from foster care into successful adulthood.
Our team is committed to sustaining a dedicated, well-rounded community around all of our program participants — for this season of emerging adulthood and forward into the future.
We’re establishing a safety net that these young people can believe in and rely on. And our Community Connections make it possible.
Through the I Am Next program, Rosalia learned essential life skills—managing her finances, planning for the future, and handling everyday responsibilities. By the time she turned 21, she transitioned into the I Am Next Rental Assistance Program, where she continued to build on those skills and gain the independence she had been striving for.
Our Partners in Empowerment
Food Security
I Am Next partners with The Store, a Middle Tennessee organization founded by Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley to support food security in our communities.
The Store offers choice-based grocery and household essentials shopping, nutritional education and cooking classes, and other services. Like I Am Next, The Store is on a mission to inspire hope and foster stability and resilience.
Emerging adults ages 18 to 24 can apply for assistance. I Am Next volunteers provide transportation to and from The Store’s Nashville location.
Mentorship
Eye-opening data about the power of mentorship from the nonprofit organization MENTOR:
- 74% of study respondents said mentors helped them succeed later in life.
- 85% of young people said a mentor made a positive impact on their education.
- 67% of emerging adults ages 18-21 said they needed a mentor, but didn’t have one.
Meaningful mentorship promotes growth, independence, confidence, and achievement. It’s why I Am Next proactively utilizes volunteer connections to promote personal and professional mentorships to our participants.
These services continue to grow as we expand our community of volunteers. If you’d like to support our young adults as a mentor, please reach out and get involved.
Workforce Development
Young people aging out of foster care have immense potential, but the challenges of transitioning into adulthood often affect their education and career preparation opportunities. In the U.S., only half finish high school, and less than 5% earn a four-year college degree (according to the National Foster Youth Institute).
Through partnerships with other organizations that specialize in workforce development, I Am Next promotes a path to continuing education and expanding career opportunities.
A few of our partners:
- Persevere, whose EPIC Youth program in Nashville creates tech education opportunities for young people who are reentering communities after confinement in a juvenile facility.
- Viable, an organization committed to connecting survivors, including young adults aging out or transitioning from foster care, to job and career opportunities.
- The Urban League of Middle Tennessee, whose commitment to fostering thriving careers includes a youth employment program, job readiness workshops, apprenticeship opportunities, and more.
How to Apply
Take the Next Step
If you’re aging out of foster care or enrolled in Extension of Foster Care Services in Tennessee, you’re eligible to participate in I Am Next programs. Apply online and contact the I Am Next team with any questions. We’re here to help, every step of the way.
Foster care case managers and social workers can also make a referral through our online platform.
Let's Build Your Future
We can help you find what’s next. Reach out to get started.
