Teen Leadership Foundation, Newport Beach

While statistics for teenagers aging out of foster care often look bleak—with many becoming pregnant, incarcerated, or homeless at a young age—Lisa Castetter believes it doesn’t have to be that way. That’s why she founded the Teen Leadership Foundation in 2008. By equipping youth with leadership and teamwork skills prior to their emancipation from foster care, the organization helps them enter adult life feeling empowered and backed by a support system.

Stable, adult mentors serve as positive role models, helping teens build confidence, trust, and self-esteem. Transitional-age foster youth work with their mentors and other community leaders during the foundation’s workshops, where they receive training in getting jobs, managing their money, enrolling in school, and developing other skills crucial to living independently. Additionally, the organization’s three-day leadership camps provide opportunities for foster youth to participate in fun, challenging activities with mentors and peers.

See how Groupon helps you discover local causes and lend a helping hand at the Groupon Grassroots blog.