BUILDING THE FUTURE
ONE CHILD AT A TIME
VISION
To create a future where every foster youth transitions into adulthood with confidence, purpose, and the skills to build a stable and fulfilling life—one career, one opportunity, and one strong foundation at a time.
MISSION
The Fortress Foundation is dedicated to building secure futures for foster youth through comprehensive construction and vocational training programs. We build a self-sustaining talent pipeline that places them into high-demand construction trades and high-wage careers, leveraging our non-profit staffing model and corporate partnerships to fund these life-stabilizing initiatives.
ABOUT
The Fortress Foundation, a Georgia 501(c)(3) secures permanent economic independence for youth aging out of foster care. We operate a unique, self-sustaining Social Enterprise Model built on two unified pillars: Workforce Development (accredited training in construction trades, paid apprenticeships and aligned with industry mentors) and Stability & Life Essentials (housing and financial support, personal development and mental health programs). This integration ensures every graduate achieves lifelong self-sufficiency through a high-paying career and a vital charitable safety net.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
We believe diverse leaders are essential—some who can collaborate with the construction industry, and some who can navigate the child welfare system.
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On the industry side, we need a champions who understand the workforce demands of the construction sector and can mobilize companies to see the investment as well as bridge the gap between employers and program design, ensuring job readiness aligns with industry needs.
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AGING OUT
Each year across the country, tens of thousands of foster youth age out of the system, often without family support or any form of safety net. Unlike their peers, they're expected to navigate adulthood alone—finding housing, employment, and healthcare without guidance.
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This sudden transition is filled with challenges. Many face homelessness, joblessness, and gaps in education. Without support, their chances of achieving long-term stability are slim. Trauma, instability, and lack of life skills further complicate their path forward.
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The Fortress Foundation exists to change that. By working with industry to help these young adults find careers in construction—a field facing a serious labor shortage—we help them build secure, self-sufficient lives while strengthening the future of the American workforce.
THE SAD FACTS
​​INDUSTRY, STATE & YOUTH
Collaborations between industry, state social services, and our foster youth program create a mutually beneficial ecosystem that addresses workforce shortages while providing foster youth with meaningful career opportunities.
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Employers gain access to a dedicated and often untapped talent pool, fostering diversity and inclusion within their workforce.
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State social services can leverage these partnerships to fulfill their mission of supporting vulnerable populations, leading to reduced reliance on public assistance programs and decreased long-term social service costs.
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For foster youth, these partnerships provide structured pathways to stable employment and personal growth. By investing in these collaborations, all parties contribute to a more resilient economy and a more inclusive society.
