The growing numbers of foster youth exiting the foster care system who are unprepared to face life as an adult is a major concern of, First African Methodist Church of Los Angeles (FAME). The concern for these young became the driving force for the creation of the Biddy Mason Charitable Foundation.

 

Jackie Broxton and Michael Ellison-Lewis met with the then newly assigned Rev. J. Edgar Boyd and his wife, Florence Boyd, shortly after they arrived in Los Angeles in 2013 to discuss how FAME could become more involved with  foster care in Los Angeles County. After this meeting a group of dedicated church and community members came together to design the framework of the foundation. Since that time the Foundation has become an independent 501c3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to serving current and former foster youth.

 

The initiative began by creating and hosting events specifically designed for Foster Youth. Collaborative partnerships began first with the Los Angeles Department of Children & Family Services.   CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, very soon became a major collaborator.  Today they list of collaborative partners has grown to include schools, colleges and other agencies that provide support to foster youth.