FOSTER TEEN
CHRISTMAS OUTREACH
IMPACTING FOSTER TEENS ACROSS OHIO
Our
Story
How It Began
During the holidays, teens were often overlooked as generous donors tended to focus their gift giving efforts on providing toys to younger children. We set out to change this narrative. ​
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Through the unwavering support from across the state, the Foster Teen Christmas Outreach has provided more than $1.3 Million in gift cards to foster teens across Ohio. Teens in foster care are in circumstances outside of their control, but these gift cards offer them a sense of freedom and choice.
Foster Hope Holiday Fest
Foster teens lose a great deal of support when they transition out of care. To meet this expansive need, we created the Foster Hope Holiday Fest in 2024. This fun, engaging resource fair exists to connect transitioning teens with mental health resources, activations around critical life skills (e.g. financial literacy and job-readiness), along with exposure to an array of options post-high school .
This year’s event on Sunday, December 7, will be hosted at COSI and foster youth within central Ohio, ages 15–19, are invited to attend along with one trusted adult. Together, you’ll enjoy:
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Free food
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Exciting prize giveaways
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Career exploration
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Access to COSI exhibits
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Mental and physical health resources
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Validated parking & free admission
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A $25 retail gift card for every youth
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A $25 gas gift card for every trusted adult
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And more!