Providing Ongoing,
Individualized Support to Youth
We recognize that the needs of youth exiting care are diverse and wide-ranging, and can include anything from managing the anxiety of riding Trax alone to understanding the difference between the Pell Grant and a student loan. 1999 Collective provides varied one-to-one support that helps each individual move toward stabilized adulthood.
After a youth reaches out, they meet with a 1999 Collective member who is a foster care alum. This lived-expert support is critical for trust-building. In partnership with the youth, we make and work toward a three-month goal. We have helped youth meet their goals of acceptance into JobCorps, applying to a higher-paying job, accessing state grants for education-related expenses, securing first time parenting supply needs, retaining housing, completing FAFSA, sticking to a budget, and more.
“You really saved me with the food, and the people who brought it were so unbelievably nice”
– Food delivery recipient
Examples of Questions and Requests for Support:
- You’re not sure how old you were when you were in foster care, or when your case closed
- You’re not sure what educational financial aid you qualify for, or where to start
- You’re confused or feel overwhelmed looking at these resources
- You want help filling out the FAFSA
- You’re intimidated to contact a state agency or don’t want to contact DCFS
- A financial aid advisor told you that you need to reapply to FAFSA as a dependent (This happens! 1999 collective can help advocate with you to ensure correct implementation of policy)
- You want help getting the documentation needed to receive financial aid or other resources
- You’d like support on your application, such as help writing your personal statement or understanding how to ask someone for a letter of recommendation
- Your case originated in another state and you’re not sure how to get documents to Utah
- You want support keeping the financial aid you’ve received, including help making a budget, meeting scholarship requirements and finding programs that will help keep your GPA at or above 2.5
- You’re encountering another kind of barrier not listed here
Join Us
1999 collective is built on the principle of shared power. Whether you’re an alumni or an ally, together, we’re rewriting the story of what’s possible for Utah’s foster care community. Join us.
Connect with Us Get Support