welcome to empower

Welcome to EMPOWER – Serving youth 14-24 years of age in Orange, Osceola and Seminole County. Whether through hands-on workshops, life changing advocacy, or dedicated one-on-one support, we are here to stand as strong allies for every youth in our community.

EMPOWER INITIATIVES

“Having the Foundation is like having a family”

Austin

1. ADVOCACY

Advocacy is a critical component of our program, offering personalized support to help youth navigate the challenges they face. Through dedicated one-on-one meetings, our Advocates empower youth by addressing their unique needs and connecting them to vital resources. This initiative is designed to guide youth toward independence and success ad they transition to adulthood. Click here to learn more

2. ESSENTIALS TO INDEPENDENCE

The transition to adulthood can be challenging, especially for a young adult leaving foster care. The essentials for independence initiative is designed to provide the support and resources needed to help them become self-sufficient and successful in their next chapter. Through practical assistance and tailored guidance, we empower young adults with the tools they need to build a stable, independent future. Click hee to learn more.

3. LIFE SKILLS TRAINING + DEVELOPMENT

Empower offers a variety of opportunities to help youth in foster care, ages 14-24, unlock the skills they need to navigate adulthood with confidence and purpose. This initiative is open to all youth, regardless of whether they are currently participating in Advocacy or Essentials for Independence. Through engaging in in-person workshops and a self-paced online Life Skills Library, youth gain practical knowledge and real-world tools to shape their future and achieve independence. Click here to learn more.

FIVE FACTORS

FFC has identified five key factors that strongly predict long-term success for foster youth. Below are the remarkable results of FFC's Empower students in 2024, results that speak directly to the life-changing impact of one-on-one professional mentorship.

Avoided Arrest

Avoided Teen Pregnancy

On Track To Graduate

Employed/Enrolled

in Post-Secondary

Avoided Homelessness

fostering personalized support

EMPOWER YOUTH PORTAL

GET INVOLVED

REQUEST SERVICES

ORGANIZE A DRIVE

SUPPORT FINANCIALLY

making an impact

Student Testimonials

“Empower has taught me that today’s struggles are tomorrow's successes.”

MelAdvocacy Student

"My experience in the Empower program has been great. As a collegiate age student, it has supported with challenges in my life that both our economy and country officials don’t take into consideration when addressing college students, especially those who are foster youth and wards of the court.”

RyanAdvocacy Student

Anthony loves all things cars, and was overjoyed when he got the opportunity to intern at Field’s BMW for Summer of 2023. He worked diligently in the kitchen, preparing food for customers. During his time there, he gained valuable work experience, several friendships, and memories to last a lifetime. Anthony will graduate from high school in Spring of 2024, and he hopes to become a chef. "I feel like I've accomplished a lifelong goal"

AnthonyAdvocacy Student

MEET OUR EMPOWER TEAM

Keely Popkin

Empower Manager

Daniela Santos

Senior Advocate

Quintyn Flemister

senior Advocate

Joseph Burnett II

Advocate

Adrianna Butera

Advocate

Gavin Farrington

Advocate

Shanovah Moodie-Walker

Advocate

Christian Peacock

Advocate

Zariah Durham

Advocate

FFC services are available to applicants and participants in an equally effective manner regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, religion, political affiliation, or disability.