Foster Progress

We're excited to welcome Quinne Welter to the Foster Progress team as our Communications & Outreach Manager!

With experience in communications, outreach, fundraising, public service, and political campaigns, Quinne is passionate about building connections that strengthen communities and create opportunities for young people to succeed.

At Foster Progress, she leads communications and outreach efforts across Illinois, helping share student stories, build community partnerships, and connect more youth, mentors, and peer advocates to our programs.

Outside of work, Quinne enjoys jigsaw puzzles, audiobooks on Libby, tending to her plants, and taking long walks. Please join us in welcoming her to the team!

🎓 We’re excited to officially launch our College & Career Essentials Wishlist Campaign!

As our graduating seniors prepare for college, careers, and independent living, we've asked them to register for items like bedding, school supplies, kitchen items, and more to help them feel supported as they take this next big step.

Starting a new chapter can feel overwhelming, but small acts of support can make a huge difference. Every item you donate towards helps remind our students that they have a community behind them cheering them on every step of the way.

Click on our bio.site for ways to shop, donate, and support our graduates as they prepare for what’s next!

https://bio.site/fosterprogress

You belong here. 🌈

Pride is about community, visibility, and safety — and every young person deserves all three.

More than 30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQIA+, highlighting the importance of safe, affirming communities and access to support.

At Foster Progress, we are proud to support LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care this Pride Month and all year long.

To learn more about the experiences LGBTQIA+ youth face in foster care, check out the Human Rights Campaign article linked in our bio.site.

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

It takes a community to make this work possible, and we are so lucky to have a Board that shows up with passion, generosity, and commitment every step of the way.

A huge thank you to our Foster Progress Board for all of the work you put into supporting this year’s gala and for the many ways you continue to champion our mission throughout the year. From helping make the gala such a success to supporting our students and strengthening our community behind the scenes, your leadership and dedication make a lasting impact.

We are endlessly grateful for your support, partnership, and belief in this work. 🩵

A huge thank you to the for hosting our 10th anniversary gala and helping make the evening so special. ✨

From the beautiful venue to the incredible energy throughout the night, this celebration would not have been possible without the amazing support of our community. 💙

Be sure to check out our website for more amazing photos from and unforgettable moments from the night! 📸

Our Decision Day celebrations continue! 🎓✨

We want to celebrate Jasmine, Syd, Kylie, Mya, and Leah for their amazing accomplishments as they graduate and begin their next chapters!

🌟 Jasmine will be attending Northeastern Illinois University to study Biology.
🌟 Syd graduated with honors and will be attending DePaul University to study Anthropology and Environmental Science.
🌟 Kylie will be attending Elmhurst University to study Early Childhood Education.
🌟 Mya will be attending the University of Illinois Springfield to study Psychology.
🌟 Leah is graduating college and heading to graduate school at Northern Illinois University to study Business Management.

We are so proud of these incredible students and can’t wait to see all they accomplish in the future! 🎉

A huge thank you to Marlon & The Shakes for sharing their incredible talent and bringing such amazing energy to the evening. They kept the dance floor full and made our 10 year celebration even more memorable. 🎶💃🕺

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, volunteered, and believed in this work — we couldn’t do it without you. 💙 Make sure to check out our website for more awesome photos from
Marlon and The Shakes

Join us in celebrating Lauren and her decision to attend Malcolm X College to study Psychology! 🎓🧠

Throughout school, Lauren stayed involved in volleyball and ASL, building teamwork, communication skills, and meaningful connections along the way.

With a long-term goal of becoming a therapist, Lauren is already taking exciting steps toward making a difference in the lives of others through compassion and care.

We’re so proud of everything Lauren has accomplished and can’t wait to see all she achieves in this next chapter. Your Foster Progress community is cheering you on every step of the way! ❤️

We're so excited to celebrate Jamya and her decision to attend Illinois State University (ISU) this fall to study Public Health!

Throughout high school, Jamya stayed involved in Student Council, which demonstrates leadership, dedication, and a commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

We’re so proud of everything Jamya has accomplished and can’t wait to see all she achieves in this next chapter. The entire Foster Progress community is celebrating Jamya today and cheering her on for all that’s ahead! ❤️

We’re still feeling so grateful for everyone who showed up, supported our mission, and helped make the Horizon Gala so special this year. From celebrating our amazing honorees to sharing powerful stories and dancing the night away, it was truly a night to remember.

Because of your generosity, we raised critical funds to continue supporting youth with foster care experience and creating brighter futures together. Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, volunteered, and believed in this work — we couldn’t do it without you. 🫶

Don’t forget to visit our website to see the rest of the amazing photos from 💙