We're back with our third and final episode of Fracture to Flourish, where we turn our attention to hope and transformation. This episode builds on our previous conversations about youth aging out of foster care, but with a focus on solutions and change.

What exactly do foster youth age out of? In this powerful episode, we step inside the foster care system to understand the lived reality behind the statistics—and why so many youth, especially young men, end up incarcerated after leaving care.

Through raw, honest stories, we witness the hidden toll of growing up in a system designed to protect, but often failing to provide what children need most: consistency, safety, and belonging. From 30 different placements to nights spent at government offices, these aren't just statistics—they're lives shaped by constant upheaval.

In our debut episode, we follow three extraordinary journeys of resilience as former foster youth navigate life after aging out at 18. Ella, Mark, and Heather share how they transformed systemic challenges into personal triumph—from drafting a Foster Youth Bill of Rights to building a career at Microsoft.

We explore the stark realities many face: 1 in 4 becoming incarcerated, 1 in 5 immediately homeless, and half struggling to find employment. Community leaders Lance Villio and Tom Baldwin reveal innovative approaches to support these transitions.

Join us as we uncover how meaningful relationships and systemic reform can help vulnerable youth move from fracture to flourishing.

Welcome to Fracture to Flourish, a podcast from Access Ventures illuminating untold stories of resilience.

Season one, "Aging Out," reveals the raw reality of the 20,000 young adults who exit foster care yearly without support networks. Through authentic conversations with both those who've experienced the system firsthand and the advocates fighting for change, we uncover the human stories behind the statistics—journeys of struggle and strength that transform fracture into flourishing.

Join us as we reimagine what meaningful support truly looks like for youth transitioning to independence.