Bloom Beyond: Transition Age Youth (TAY) Program
For many youth aging out of foster care, the path to adulthood can be filled with uncertainty as there are often limited resources and support available during this critical transition. Bloom Beyond is designed to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive guidance and resources to help young people who have experienced foster care navigate the challenges of independent living. This program is committed to equipping them with the tools they need to build a solid foundation and thrive in every aspect of their lives.
Were you in foster care when you turned 18? If you are now between 18-26 years old, we are here to support you during this important chapter of your life. Click below to discover the many ways we can help you thrive on your journey to independence.
Program Services
Personalized navigation Support
Bloom Beyond provides crucial support to young adults (18-26) transitioning from foster care through our innovative Navigator Support Program. We recognize that each young adult’s journey is unique. We adapt our support to each person’s individual needs and provide practical, hands-on support to help them achieve their goals. By combining tangible resources with dedicated guidance, we create pathways to independence and long term success.
- Personalized Navigation: Trained navigators provide individualized support to help each young person access resources, navigate complex systems, and build lasting support networks. This guidance empowers youth to pursue higher education, career opportunities, and develop essential life skills.
- Resource Management: Custom E-binders to help organize important documents and available resources
- Essential Needs Support: Direct access to necessities through The Bloom Closet reduces financial barriers and increases stability during transition
- Comprehensive Support Areas: Our holistic approach includes guidance in housing, education, career development, healthcare access, transportation, and life skills development. This wraparound support helps young adults build lasting community connections and achieve sustainable independence.
Free Clothing & Essentials Through the Bloom Closet
The Bloom Closet supports young adults transitioning from foster care by providing free clothing, personal care items, and career-specific necessities—from healthcare scrubs to professional attire—alleviating financial burdens during this critical time. We extend our support to those pursuing education through free backpacks and laptops, when possible, while also assisting young parents from foster care with baby essentials and parenting supplies. Our services reach across Georgia through three channels: physical boutiques, our Bloom Closet Express mobile service that brings essentials directly to independent living programs, and our Bloom Closet Direct boxes delivered straight to doorsteps. Through this comprehensive approach, we remove access barriers and empower young adults with foster care experience statewide as they build independent lives.
Clothing & Shoes
School Supplies
Personal Care Products
Accessories, etc…
Comprehensive Independent Living Support for Youth in Bloom’s Foster Care Program
Bloom Beyond’s program features dedicated liaisons who collaborate with Bloom’s family consultants to support both youth and caregivers. Bloom Beyond helps to ensure youth receive exceptional Independent Living Program (ILP) services while equipping caregivers and staff with the tools they need to support youth’s ILP needs. Our program integrates seamlessly with Bloom University’s evidence-based curriculum, offering youth and foster parents access to quality educational resources and strategies. Through specialized training and thorough transition planning, we empower staff and caregivers to support youth effectively, leading to successful outcomes as young people progress toward independence.
Lived Experience Integration Through Leadership Council
Our Leadership Council brings together a dedicated group of young people with lived experience in foster care who help shape Bloom Beyond’s programs and services. These Council Members meet virtually each month to provide valuable insights and recommendations that ensure our initiatives effectively support transition-aged youth. While serving on the council, members develop professional leadership skills, contribute to special projects, and receive a monthly stipend for their participation. This council represents our commitment to incorporating youth voice and lived experience into our program development, ensuring our services remain relevant and impactful for the young people we serve.
Partnership Opportunities
Bloom Beyond actively seeks partnerships across multiple sectors to support youth who have transitioned from foster care. We collaborate with educational institutions and child welfare organizations to connect youth with essential services and resources. Corporate sponsors play a vital role through monetary donations, in-kind contributions, and FSA tax credit opportunities, while also offering valuable training sessions and opportunities for youth development. Individual donors and community organizations round out our partnership network, creating a comprehensive support system that enables us to better serve former foster youth and help them thrive in their transition to independence.
Interested in Partnering with Us? Email: m.guthrie@bloomfosters.org
Click below to learn more about how to support these young people at no cost to you!