Aging On
Ages 19-22
Beyond 18: Celebrating and Supporting Young Adults
When older teens in foster care have not achieved permanency through reunification with their birth family, adoption, or guardianship, they “age out” of care at 18. For most young adults, turning 18 is an exciting milestone—marking the start of college, a new job, or a first apartment—often with the guidance and support of family and loved ones.
For youth aging out of foster care, however, this milestone looks very different. It can mean suddenly navigating adulthood without the safety nets so many take for granted. Facing this transition alone is not something many feel ready to do, which is why some choose to remain in care for up to four additional years—allowing them continued support as they build stability, independence, and a path forward.
Through Aging On, we continue celebrating these young adults beyond their 18th birthday by recognizing them, supporting them, and reminding them that they are not alone. Whether it’s gift cards for transportation to work, clothing for a new job, household items for their first apartment, or other essential items, Aging On provides both practical support and emotional encouragement during a critical transition.
Aging On Birthdays Celebrated Since March 2025
According to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), at the start of FY2024, 2,073 young adults (18 & up) chose to extend their time in foster care for up to an additional four years.
Jasmine
We celebrated Jasmine’s 17th and 18th birthdays in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, Jasmine started volunteering with with One Wish celebrating children facing circumstances much like her own.
This year, through our Aging On program, we had the honor of celebrating Jasmine’s 21st birthday. Now a college student and working at a nursing home, Jasmine received a complete set of Twin XL bedding to support her life on campus.
We are grateful to continue following Jasmine’s journey and will have the privilege of celebrating her one more time as she continues to build her future.
It’s a hard position going from a teen to an adult and going to college or even going to a full-time job is really hard and I feel like in this stage of life, you’re alone and lonely, and trying to figure out who you are as a person by yourself
Jasmine Lee
Ciara
Our Executive Director, Claudia Mintz, personally made the birthday delivery to this wonderful young women who turned 21 as they share the same birthday.
Ciara has been in foster care since she was 15-years old. When she turned 18, she chose to remain in care while she attended college. Ciara is working very hard toward obtaining her degree.
Having never received her drivers license, Ciara relies on ride share apps to get her back and forth to where she needs to be, which becomes very expensive. We made sure Ciara did not have to worry about this cost for a while by giving her Uber gift cards as well as a Target gift card to purchase some items she needed. And since college can also be stressful, we provided Ciara with a wonderful spa-like gift basket to help her during some difficult days! We wish Ciara a very happy birthday and the best as she continues on her journey!