Survivor Supplemental Income Pilot

Project Overview

Freedom Forward is leading an initiative to provide guaranteed income to transition-age youth (TAY) aging out of foster care who are survivors of, or are particularly vulnerable to, sex trafficking and/or commercial sexual exploitation. Through this pilot program, Freedom Forward is offering monthly financial support to help these youth meet their basic needs and reduce their risk of (re)exploitation. 

Supplemental Income Pilot Program

Supported by the Youth Villages Lived Experience Impact Grant, this supplemental income pilot provides a guaranteed monthly income of $500 for one year to transition-age foster youth who are at high risk of or survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. This funding empowers them to meet their basic needs, pursue educational and employment opportunities, and avoid reliance on exploitative situations. Participants in this pilot will also have full access to HYPE Center services, ensuring comprehensive support.

Measuring Impact and Success

We are committed to evaluating the effectiveness of this pilot program. Some success indicators include improved self-sufficiency and self-efficacy, financial literacy, and reduced reliance on the street life economy. Through regular surveys, focus groups, and data collection, we will gather insights to refine our approach and advocate for broader policy change.

Building Equity and Inclusion

Freedom Forward's initiatives are deeply rooted in equity and inclusion. We prioritize serving BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized youth who face systemic barriers. Our services are designed to be accessible and welcoming to all, ensuring that every young person feels seen, supported, and respected.

By piloting this guaranteed income program, Freedom Forward is paving the way for innovative solutions that support the well-being and financial independence of vulnerable youth, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

Partners

Announcement from Youth Villages

“We’re excited to award a Lived Experience Impact grant to such a worthy organization as Freedom Forward,” said Catherine Smith, Youth Villages BPP managing director. “We share a common goal of supporting young people as they make the transition to adulthood. We look forward to partnering with Freedom Forward and its respective leaders who will bring invaluable lived expertise and important perspective. Together, we will have an even greater positive impact on services and outcomes for transition-age young people across the country.”

The grants support organizations led by individuals with lived experience in child welfare systems who are improving outcomes for transition-age young people through programming, advocacy and systems reform. More than 30 organizations from across the country applied for the grants. After a thorough evaluation process that included application reviews by Youth Villages staff and its Lived Experience Corps members (more than 50% of the grant committee had lived experience in child welfare systems) and oral presentations from the top 12 scoring organizations, the grants were awarded to eight organizations from across the country.