Project
The Sedli
FOSTERING TRUTH: Empowering young women in foster care
About
Expanding Our Mission
Through our work with the homeless population, we have made a heartbreaking discovery: nearly every woman we encounter has spent time in the foster care system during her youth. In the United States, 27–33% of young people who age out of foster care experience homelessness. This reality has deeply impacted our perspective and strengthened our commitment to prevention, not just response.
Because of this, we have expanded our mission to include girls who are currently in the foster care system. Being placed in foster care often means a child has already faced significant trauma and instability. These young girls need consistent reminders that their story does not define their future.
Our goal is simple but powerful: to show these girls that they have value, that they are loved, and that their lives have purpose. By building authentic relationships, speaking truth into their lives, and surrounding them with encouragement and support, we hope to help change the trajectory that leads so many former foster youth into homelessness. It is our hope and prayer that through genuine connection and steadfast support, we can help rewrite this statistic for the next generation.
Our Plan
To foster truth and love, we invest in a group of girls who are in the foster system. We will stay with this group over the course of their foster experience to provide consistency and relationships. We offer day activities such as cupcake decorating, painting, bead crafts. The girls hear about the love of Christ, they see love in action, and they receive their own devotional as well as other fun items. At least twice a year, we will offer the girls an outing such as skating or visiting a horse ranch. These times give an extended opportunity to make lasting relationships as well as provide experiences that the girls would not normally get to have. We want to build relationships and to foster the truth of Christ's love to empower them during this traumatic time in their lives.
How Can You Help?
We are always grateful for individuals and groups who want to come alongside us and support the girls we serve. Volunteers play a vital role in helping us create meaningful experiences and reminders that these young ladies are seen, valued, and loved.
One of the ways we encourage the girls is by giving them small items they can keep as reminders that someone cares about them. These simple gifts often carry a powerful message of hope and belonging. Examples of items we share with them include:
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Small stuffed animals
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School supplies
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Backpacks
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Devotionals
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Other thoughtful items that can be included in gift bags
We also welcome volunteers who would like to help with activities, share ideas for engaging with the girls, or assist in preparing materials and gift bags. If you have ideas for activities, would like to volunteer, can donate new items for gift bags, or simply want to learn more about how you can get involved, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact Jo Spencer at:
thesedliproject@gmail.com
Together, we can remind these young women that they matter and that their future is filled with hope.
