Foster360, an initiative of Mesa United Way and Azura, is pleased to announce Valley Toyota Dealers is offering a $25,000 match to support the nonprofit’s housing programs and trauma-informed care for aged out foster youth. The match campaign will kick off on March 15 and run through May 15, 2024.

“Our mission is to break the cycle of homelessness and adversity for youth aging out of foster care,” said Sommer Knight co-executive director, Foster360. “In Nov. 2023, we opened our second housing location and can now house 15 aged out youth in a safe place. While they are in our program, they receive holistic wraparound services that empower them with the necessary tools, education, and mindset to succeed. This generous donation will help us continue to expand our reach and serve more youth 18-24 who have aged out of the foster care system.”

Research shows 900 children age out of foster care in Arizona each year and 50% become homeless by the age of 20.

“We want to improve those statistics and find solutions for generational poverty,” said Elena Reid Steinbeiss, co-executive director, Foster360. “While in our housing program, they learn to live independently, while working on financial literacy, recognizing and maintaining health relationships, finding employment, identifying career paths or schooling, and ultimately become one step closer to never becoming homeless again!”

To learn more about Foster360 or make a donation to support the match campaign, visit: https://www.foster360.org/give.

Interesting Statistics:

· According to the National Foster Youth Initiative, "An estimated 20 percent of young adults in care become homeless when they are emancipated at 18. And nationwide, 50% of the homeless population spent time in foster care."

· Only one-half of aged-out foster youth are employed by age 24.

· Less than 3% will earn a college degree

· 71% of women will be pregnant by age 21

· 1/3 of homeless youth are sex trafficked and 20% will be involved in the criminal justice system by age 19.


About Valley Toyota Dealers

Founded in 1989, Valley Toyota Dealers consists of all 10 Toyota dealers in the metropolitan Phoenix area, including AutoNation Toyota Tempe, Avondale, Bell Road, Berge, Big Two, Camelback, Earnhardt, Larry H Miller, Right, and Toyota of Surprise. For more information, visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/63c31180/AoyVotHcHEi6xnUrEiibqA?u=http://www.valleytoyotadealers.com/.


About Azura

Founded in 2023, Azura believes that poverty is the root cause of almost every social problem in our world. Our goal is to end the cycle of poverty for Arizonans, so they have a brighter future. Our programs focus on supporting foster care and kinship families, providing tax preparation services, improving literacy at low-income schools, helping veterans and offering housing for aging-out foster youth. To donate, volunteer or learn more, visit: https://www.azuracares.org.


About Mesa United Way

Founded in 1912, Mesa United Way has operated under several names. Their mission has always been to help the community’s most vulnerable through a variety of programs focused on health, education and financial stability. Mesa United Way raises money and provides assistance within the City of Mesa. The nonprofit manages workplace campaigns for companies in Mesa that want to invest in helping the community and alleviate poverty. To donate, volunteer or learn more, visit: http://www.mesaunitedway.org.