awareness trainings

The most common form of violence experienced by young adults is online bullying.  The FBI has warned that violent online networks are rapidly increasing and actively targeting minors on common platforms such as social media, gaming sites, and mobile apps. These groups often focus on underage girls but can target anyone, with victims typically ages 10–17 and sometimes as young as 9 years old.  The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends that healthcare providers consider that certain interventions can prevent future harm. Foster Friend Foundation is committed to bringing awareness to abuse and fostering relationships with organizations to educate the community about bullying, cyberbullying, sextortion, doxxing, and various forms of abuse. We also assist families of children and adults with information to report cyberbullying and abuse. 

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a leading cause of child abuse deaths in children under five and accounts for about one-third of all child maltreatment deaths (CDC, 2024). According to the Department of Health and Human Services (2023), "Parents and caregivers experience a multitude of unique stressors from raising children including financial strain, economic instability, poverty, and loneliness." Parenting is hard work and making sure children are safe, loved, and nurtured should be every parent's goal which at times may require parents to take a break. Foster Friend Foundation is trained to support parents to prevent situations of abuse.  Because we understand the importance of having someone who truly listens, provides guidance, and offers hope, we are committed to empowering parents with the encouragement and education they need, including respite services.

The global population of people aged 60 and older will more than double in less than 25 years. Emerging evidence indicates that the prevalence of abuse of older people in both the community and in institutions have increased. The World Health Organization (WHO) showed that rates of abuse of older people are high in institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, with 2 in 3 staff reporting that they have committed abuse in the past year. Foster Friend Foundation is committed to educating organizations and individuals about these prevalent issues with the goal of prevention through community service and supporting our elders. We provide respite, supportive home care, appointment escorting, appointment reminders, companionship, some transportation, and we participate in retirement activities with seniors.

The Center for Disease Control found that youth who use high-risk drugs are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, experience violence, such as physical and sexual dating violence. Many youth living with disabilities are often bullied, threatened, or injured at a rate higher than their peers without a disability. Consequently, both groups are at a greater risk for mental health problems and suicide.  On the other hand, across many U.S. cities, large‑scale protests and demonstrations have emerged in response to perceived misconduct of youth and excessive force has been used by law enforcement.  We help youth build the skills they need to communicate effectively with police officers. Foster Friend Foundation assists with community integration, daily life skills, prevocational services, mobility skills, and others. We teach socialization and self-advocacy skills to individuals living with disabilities. We incorporate trauma-informed interactive presentations and outreach to empower adults to make better life choices to prevent devastating mental health outcomes, such as substance abuse, cycles of incarceration, failed police interactions, and homelessness.

Abuse is often hidden and underreported, especially among vulnerable populations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024), "People with disabilities experience violence at rates nearly three times higher than those without disabilities," underscoring the urgent need for targeted, trauma-informed prevention and intervention efforts. Also, "Globally, nearly one in three women has experienced physical and/or sexual violence in her lifetime—often at the hands of an intimate partner—yet most incidents go unreported and are not recognized," (World Health Organization, 2024). Further, the annual economic impact of intimate partner violence is significant. According to the CDC, U.S. businesses lose $3–$5 billion per year in productivity and performance losses due to domestic violence. Employers have both a practical and moral responsibility to understand this issue because employees are more likely to seek help at work. Our services focus on breaking cycles of violence, reducing devastating mental health outcomes, and promoting safety, stability, and long-term well-being for individuals, families and the very jobs that help provide stability and purpose.

Financial Institutions Report $27 Billion in Elder Financial Exploitation from June 2022 through June 2023. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (threat pattern and trend information report) showed that adult children are the most frequent elder theft-related perpetrators. Elder abuse is a critical public health issue. Survivors report higher rates of depression and are three times more likely to die prematurely. Elders often withdraw from social interactions, and many blame themselves, which results in shame and silence and magnifies these effects. They also have higher rates of hospitalization and institutionalization, at an estimated annual cost to our nation’s healthcare system of $5.3 billion. Foster Friend Foundation empowers seniors, adults, and community organizations with interactive consumer-based education to help them access resources to become financially literate and confident in their decision-making. We are passionate about personally assisting elders and families who are navigating challenges. We understand the importance of having someone who truly listens, provides guidance, and offers hope based on the 'Fruit of the Spirit.'