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About Us

Our Philosophy

The Connections Program originated at Summit Academy OIC with a vital mission: addressing the challenges faced by Black youth reentering foster care, becoming incarcerated, or involved in child protection cases. Our aim was to stabilize their placements and equip them with the necessary skills to thrive as valuable members of our communities. In 2010, our dedicated staff, consisting of Jessica, Talicia, and Drew at the time, seized the opportunity to establish an independent non-profit organization, giving rise to Connections to Independence!

Since its inception, C2i has proudly served approximately 140 youth each year. As the sole organization in Minnesota exclusively dedicated to foster youth, we have cultivated a vibrant community where foster individuals can authentically connect with one another and our supportive staff. At C2i, we believe in providing a safe space where vulnerability is celebrated and foster youth can truly flourish!

The Story of C2i

Our Mission

The mission of Connections to Independence is to provide unique programming and advocacy for foster youth, ages 14–24, to promote a successful and healthy transition to living independently as they reach adulthood.

Our Vision

All youth in foster care will have access to the relationships, supportive services, and programming of C2i to assist them to holistically develop into positive and successful contributing members in the community on a local, national, and global level.

Core Competencies

C2i has a unique holistic approach to moving youth on to living independently when they reach adulthood that focuses on a healthy mind, body, and soul. All youth will develop and achieve goals in the following areas: Housing, Employment, Education, Financial Wellness, and Personal Wellness.

Youth Data

%

that are stably housed

%

that finish high school by 19

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Our Values

1. Empowerment: C2i believes that foster youth know what is best for themselves, placing their decision-making at the forefront.

2. Lived Experience: C2i values hiring staff and leadership who have personal experience with foster care, bringing their unique perspectives and insights to support the youth.

3. Relationship-Centered: C2i recognizes that positive outcomes stem from fostering healthy development and nurturing genuine relationships.

4. Safe and Supportive Environment: C2i ensures that every youth is respected and provided with a stable, trusting, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where they can express their authentic selves.

read our full values statements

 

5. Amplifying Youth Voice: C2i believes in prioritizing the voices of the youth, making their opinions and perspectives the loudest in the room and incorporating them into every aspect of the organization.

6. Tailored Support: C2i advocates for foster youth to be connected to community resources and circles of support that align with their unique needs and goals.

7. Chosen Family: C2i recognizes the right of foster youth to determine their own sense of family and to establish legal, permanent connections with those they consider family.

8. Compassionate Commitment: The staff, board, and community partners of C2i demonstrate genuine passion, compassion, understanding, and unwavering commitment to the holistic development of foster and former foster youth.

9. Acknowledging Racist History: C2i acknowledges the racist history that underlies the establishment of foster care, striving to address and rectify its impact on the lives of foster youth.

10. Aspiring for Change: C2i envisions a future where no youth will have to experience foster care, and where birth and chosen families are surrounded by the resources and support they need to provide for their families.