Harbor58

Harbor58 Ministries, Inc, is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Bradenton, Florida. MISSION: Harbor58 is a safe haven that provides resources and support for youth aging out of foster care by teaching life skills and empowering them to achieve their full potential. VISION: To restore, equip, empower and launch aged out foster youth successfully into adulthood. In May 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the President of our organization was asked to help two foster youth turning 18 and on the brink of homelessness. Upon research, it was shocking and appalling to realize how few resources were available for these young people. Aging out of the foster care system meant these young people were removed from situations of abuse or neglect, the rights of their biological parents were no longer intact, and they were never adopted. Feeling abused and passed over by the system, most youth are counting down the days until they are on their own but do not realize how they are inadequately experienced and equipped for this transition. Enter Harbor58. Meeting the most urgent and basic needs first, Harbor58 will provide housing and help foster youth feed and clothe themselves. Our goal is not to provide the bare minimum of care but rather help young people see their value through their surroundings - a beautiful, high-end cottage to call home for 18 months. And that is just the beginning. From on-site mental health services, life skills courses, apprenticeship opportunities, and mentorship, these youth are finally afforded the same opportunities as their more affluent and well-connected peers. Success for us is like any parent, seeing our graduates successfully transition into adulthood. And like family, we will be here for them every step of the way - even after they leave.