Our Mission
Our story is simple. We started with The Hoodie Project, and purchase new, quality hoodies for foster teens living in institutional housing. Foster teens get looked over the most in the dependency system, and they should have more in their drawer than used t-shirts and jeans, or donated suits, prom dresses and other special event items. They're like all other teens who want basic, good quality gear to call their own.
We buy, gift wrap, and deliver the hoodies to places in need, including the Los Angeles Dept. of Children and Family Services, CASA of Los Angeles, Youth Moving On, and Hillsides Group Home. Most recently we made donations that will go to displaced teenagers from other countries, through the Federal Administration for Children and Families, and more specifically its Office of Refugee Resettlement.
We've reached over 200 teens and would like to reach 1,000 by summer 2023, and our ultimate goal is to reach 10,000 in the next year. This sounds like a lot but it's just a dent when you think about the fact that Los Angeles County alone has 30,000 foster children. A hoodie may seem like no big deal, but teens live in theirs and it's a small way to make a human being feel better.
With your generous support, we hope to continue this mission and expand to reach more kids, with even more personal items they can call their own gear.
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
All donations are tax deductible.
Our Start
The idea for this journey began with a teenager in Los Angeles who wanted to make a direct impact on kids' lives. Los Angeles County has over 30,000 foster children, and has one of the largest dependency systems in the country. Many of its teenagers live in institutional housing, with only a few personal belongings, which can probably fit into a single suitcase. Kids should have more of their own gear.
Our Motivation
Teens live in their hoodies and sweatshirts, and while generous donations of prom dresses, toys, and other nice items are wonderful, teenagers also want everyday, basic and brand new gear that they can call their own. Providing these things are small moments of personal attention that can make help make a positive impact.
Simple Gifts Can Make A Difference
CASA of Los Angeles
Folded and Wrapped New Hoodies
Hillsides Group Home
CASA of Los Angeles trains volunteers who are certified advocates of the Children's Court. These advocates are mentors who help foster children navigate the dependency system and provide consistency in their lives.
Hillsides Group Home
Folded and Wrapped New Hoodies
Hillsides Group Home
Hillsides houses foster teens win Los Angeles who do not have anywhere else to go. It is also home for teenagers from other countries seeking refuge in the United States, through the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement.
Foster Care System
Folded and Wrapped New Hoodies
Folded and Wrapped New Hoodies
Edelman Children's Court of Los Angeles County - Where many of Los Angeles County's 30,000 foster youth must go regularly.
Los Angeles County has the largest dependency system in the U.S.
Folded and Wrapped New Hoodies
Folded and Wrapped New Hoodies
Folded and Wrapped New Hoodies
So teens really feel like it's their own new gear, not hand-me downs or leftovers.
Help Our Cause
Your tax-deductible donation to our 501(c)(3) Non Profit will help teens in need and bring awareness to a community of amazing young people.