As of May 2022, the CHOICE program is no longer offered through Raise the Future. Funding challenges have led the organization to make this difficult decision.
emancipate from foster care every year in Colorado.
have been matched with a mentor (AKA "host").
Every youth for whom we help find a permanent connection saves society on costs associated with things like incarceration, homelessness, and poverty.
have achieved life-long legal or relational connections through the CHOICE Program.
We are sad to announce that the CHOICE program will be coming to an end this spring. Funding challenges have led Raise the Future to make this difficult decision, though the organization will continue to offer other services and programs for youth in foster care and their caregivers, always Raising the Bar.
Since 2016 CHOICE has seen over 60 youth matched with hosts, four adoptions, two guardianships, and so many youth accomplishments – from graduations, to first jobs, to youth living on their own! We cannot thank our staff, mentors, youth, volunteers, county and state partners, and donors enough for the commitment that they have made to this program.
The program benefits older youth ages 12 to 18 who are in foster care and are unable to return home.
Youth and prospective host families get to know each other in a no-pressure environment of fun, age-appropriate activities.
Youth and prospective hosts who express mutual interest in each other advance to the next level, spending time together in the community and in the host's home.
The host becomes a mentor and advocate for the youth, looking out for the youth's overall well-being and engaging in activities that support long-term connections.
These relationships are enduring and successful, as both youth and the host family often open up to the idea of adoption or a life-long connection with one another.
