Stability, direction, and opportunity for young adults aging out of foster care
NYC-focused housing stabilization, education support, mentorship, and life skills training that helps young adults move from crisis to independence.
Our mission
One Anchor Foundation supports young adults ages 18 to 25 in New York City who are aging out of foster care and working toward stable, independent living. We provide housing navigation, education support, mentorship, and practical life skills training, delivered through weekly structured sessions and individualized one-on-one support. Aging out is a cliff. Many young adults exit care without permanent family connections, stable housing, reliable income, or an adult they can call when something goes wrong. At the same time, they must manage housing applications, school and work, healthcare, and daily living responsibilities. In a city as expensive and complex as New York, that transition can become a direct path to housing instability.
We believe long-term stability is built through consistent support, practical skills, and a community that does not give up on young adults when the system ends.
Why this work matters
Each year in the United States, roughly 20,000 young people age out of foster care. Studies commonly report that a significant share experience homelessness or housing instability in the years that follow, and that educational completion and stable employment outcomes lag behind peers with family support. In New York City, housing barriers are especially high. The combination of low vacancy rates, paperwork demands, credit and income requirements, and limited support networks can make independence feel unreachable. One Anchor focuses on guided steps, consistent accountability, and practical supports that help participants move from survival mode into stability.
These numbers are meant to provide context and urgency. We also focus on measurable outcomes we can document and improve over time.
How One Anchor works
Intake and eligibility
We start with an intake, confirm NYC eligibility, identify urgent needs, and build an individualized stability plan.
Weekly structure
Participants receive weekly ILP meetings and structured workshops that support habits, skills, and follow-through.
Stabilization and follow-up
After housing progress or placement, we focus on stability, routines, and the supports needed to keep housing long-term.
What we teach and practice
These workshop topics are designed so you can turn them into lesson plans and weekly class cycles. We combine education with real-world action and accountability.
Stress management and emotional regulation
Grounding skills, coping plans, routines, and healthy habits for staying steady under pressure.
Hygiene and personal care
Daily and weekly self-care systems, budgeting for essentials, and building confidence through consistency.
Nutrition and meal planning
Grocery basics, simple cooking, food safety, meal planning on a budget, and building sustainable routines.
Computer essentials
Email, document uploads, online applications, digital organization, safety online, and professional communication.
Resume building and job readiness
Resume and cover letter support, interview practice, workplace expectations, and job search systems.
Financial literacy
Budgeting, banking, understanding paystubs, savings habits, benefits navigation, and credit basics.
Tenant basics
Understanding leases, tenant rights and responsibilities, communicating with landlords, and maintaining the unit.
Time management and routines
Scheduling, habit building, prioritization, and staying consistent with appointments and deadlines.
Self advocacy and communication
How to ask for help, follow up professionally, set boundaries, and navigate systems confidently.
Healthy relationships and boundaries
Recognizing unhealthy patterns, consent, boundaries, and building a supportive circle.
Safety planning
Personal safety planning for unsafe housing situations, crisis contacts, and step-by-step exit planning when needed.
Education planning
GED placement support, study plans, college applications, financial aid basics, and long-term training pathways.
Founder
Andre Andino founded One Anchor Foundation after working as a DHS housing worker serving New York City communities impacted by housing instability. Over time, he noticed that many young adults he encountered had foster care histories, including experiences of abuse and instability, and were aging out of a system that did not prepare them for stable living.
While exploring adoption himself, Andre reflected on how many young adults are left behind because of age, discrimination, orientation, or lack of placement opportunities, and how hard life becomes when support disappears overnight. One Anchor was created to be a consistent presence, a real anchor, that helps young adults build stability and a future with options.