Ontario youth aging out of foster care say they need more support. These groups are stepping in [Video]

Aging out of child welfare can be a lonely and isolating experience, which is why these Ontario organizations are offering mentorship to help the young adults transition into adulthood. 

Losing access to children’s aid services, including foster homes and social workers, can leave them on their own to figure out basic life skills such as paying bills or renting an apartment, according to youth formerly in care.

“Often people say, ‘I moved out when I was 18, so what’s the problem?’ but the biggest difference for young people from foster care is that they don’t have anyone in their corner,” said Heather O’Keefe, the founder and chief executive officer of StepStones, a not-for-profit that connects youth in care with mentors. 

“When I moved out to university and I was going to make my first chicken meal, I could call my mom and say, ‘Hey mom, how do I make this?,'” O’Keefe said. “I still …