Fostering Kids For Life Program
The Fostering Kids for Life (FK4L) program at Graceful Oaks Youth Ranch offers transformative support for youth through animal therapy, leadership training, and internships.
Aimed at holistic development, FK4L addresses the challenges of over 7,300 who are currently in foster care (fc), kinship care (kc) or facing other adversity within their household or community.
It combines emotional, psychological, and practical skill-building to pave their path to success. Applications for this impactful program began in January 2024.
Our mission at GOYR is to come alongside these youth, guiding them through a journey of healing and self-discovery while simultaneously cultivating entrepreneurship and teaching them practical, hands-on business and life skills to set them on a path towards success.
Currently there are over 7,300 children in Colorado who are in foster care (fc), kinship care (kc), or are facing adversity within their household or community.
100%
of these youth experience trauma
50%
do not graduate or enter the workforce until the age of 24
50%
of girls become pregnant by age 17, with a second baby by 19
Healing, Learning, Growing
In an effort to meet the needs of this population, we offer a multifaceted approach to provide physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual support.
Through the generosity of our donors and corporate sponsors, this scholarship based program includes:
• Up to four months of weekly animal therapeutic sessions, learning how to cultivate healthy relationships and move past their pain.
• Four months of twice-weekly business and leadership training through our Empowering Youth Leadership Program (EYLP) in preparation for the workforce.
• Business internships and intensive programs for EYLP graduates that will be scheduled throughout the year to receive higher-level hands-on training in managing business responsibilities at the Ranch.
• One-on-one support from a Life Skills Coach who partners with each participant for the duration of the program. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to participate in Coaching Circles, both individually and in a group setting.
If you are interested in participating in the Fostering Kids for Life (FK4L) program, please complete the application form below. This program is best suited for youth in Middle School and High School.
For families who are currently providing foster or kinship care to younger children (ages 5 -10), we invite you to participate in our summer camps and/or homeschooling programs. For additional information and eligibility requirements, please contact us at youthadvocate@goyr.org.