For many foster youth, having a mentor is the difference between success and struggle. As Josh Shipp, a former foster youth shares, “Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story”. A mentor is a caring, consistent adult can provide the encouragement, wisdom, and stability that these young people often lack. Research shows that mentorship leads to:
- Higher graduation rates in high school and college.
- Increased job stability and financial security.
- Lower rates of homelessness and incarceration.
- Greater emotional well-being and resilience.
Faith-based mentorship takes this impact even further by providing spiritual guidance and a sense of belonging. When foster youth have Christian mentors, they learn their true worth in Christ, develop healthy relationships, and find a community that genuinely cares for them.
Mentorship is not complicated—it’s about showing up, listening, and investing in a young person’s future. For foster youth, a strong mentor can be the key to breaking free from the cycle of trauma and stepping into a life of purpose and hope.
Advance the Faith is committed to restoring hope, building futures, and sharing God’s love with young people who need it most. Our goal is to leave a lasting impact on every life we touch. We serve at Christian group homes throughout Florida and The Bahamas and visit on a regular basis to build relationships that show trust and ongoing care for the young people we are called to serve.
We invite you to join us in this mission—through prayer, volunteering, or financial support. Together, we can continue to show these children and young adults that they are loved, valued, and never forgotten.
Learn more about how you can get involved here.
Jennifer Hand
Jennifer is the co-founder of Advance the Faith and the Advance the Faith Academy. She has over 15 years mentoring and coaching women of all ages. She is especially passionate about serving youth as they age out of foster care and discipling young adults. Jenn is currently pursuing her Masters of Counseling Psychology at Moody Theological Seminary. In her free time she loves cooking, reading and being outdoors.