Planted in Possibility · Growing with Purpose
Every young person deserves the chance to put down roots — and move forward.
Rooted Forward walks alongside youth ages 17–25 transitioning out of foster care in South Florida — with life skills, mentorship, housing support, and the relationships that make independence possible.
“The system stops at 18. The need doesn't.”
We walk alongside youth aging out of foster care in South Florida — with life skills, mentorship, housing support, and the relationships that make independence possible.
The Reality
At 18, the system stops.
The need doesn't.
At 18, most young people are figuring out their future with a family behind them. For youth who age out of foster care, the system that was responsible for their care simply stops.
No family safety net. No guidance on leases, bank accounts, or job conflicts. No one to call when things get hard. The outcomes are predictable.
But they are not inevitable.
What We Do
Four pillars of moving forward.
Independence isn't a single milestone — it's a network of small, consistent supports. Here's how we show up.
Life Skills Training
Budgeting, cooking, employment, tenant rights, healthcare navigation — the practical tools of independent adult life.
Mentorship
One-on-one relationships with trained mentors who show up consistently — sometimes for the first time in a young person's life.
Housing Stability
Support navigating applications, lease agreements, landlord relationships, and housing crises before they become emergencies.
Employment Readiness
Resume building, interview prep, workplace communication, and the skills to keep a job — not just get one.
About Us
A new kind of safety net — built on consistency.
Rooted Forward, Inc. is a Florida nonprofit corporation dedicated to empowering youth ages 17–25 who are transitioning out of the foster care system. We provide life skills training, mentorship, housing stability support, and employment readiness — walking alongside young people as they build independent lives.
Erin Langdon
Founder · President & CEO
International psychologist, professor, mental health counselor, and longtime advocate for better foster care transition. Erin founded Rooted Forward in 2026 to build the safety net she has spent her career arguing for.
Our Mission
Building independence, one rooted step at a time.
For youth transitioning out of foster care, the path forward isn't walked alone. We stand beside them with mentorship, life skills, and a community that believes in their future — because every young person deserves roots and room to grow.
Consistency
Show up. Every time. For as long as it takes.
Stability
Housing, mentors, and skills — the foundation for everything else.
Independence
Equip, don't enable. The goal is a life of their own.
Get Involved
Two ways to walk alongside.
For Donors
Fund the safety net.
Every dollar funds the housing, mentors, and life skills that change a young person's trajectory. Give once or join us monthly.
501(c)(3) status pending. Consult your tax advisor regarding deductibility.
For Mentors
Become a Youth Sponsor.
Commit to one meaningful connection a month, for at least a year. Consistency is the most valuable thing you can offer. We provide training and ongoing support.
All sponsors complete an application, background check, and orientation.
Contact
Let's start a conversation.
Whether you want to give, mentor, partner, or get support — we'd love to hear from you. Reach out and we'll respond personally.
Phone
561-710-0788Based in
South Florida