It’s time to step up for youth in and from foster care with the 2nd annual Step Up for StepStones

In Step Up for StepStones’ inaugural year in 2021, folks like you raised over $20,000 to support youth.

We are so grateful to all the participants who walked, ran, and rolled us into one of our biggest fundraisers ever.

But we aren’t slowing down and neither should you… Let’s make 2022 even better!

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The Issue

Many of us have experienced or know someone who has experienced a strain on their mental health in recent times. This is certainly true for youth in and from the foster care system, where the past 2+ years has drastically exacerbated their existing mental health challenges. 

These youth often suffer from trauma-related mental health concerns stemming from their early childhood experiences. To make matters worse, they are often unable to access traditional models of mental health support and are at a high risk of engaging in substance abuse and developing addictions.

StepStones has always believed in the importance of mental health support and we work hard to ensure the mental health needs of youth in our program are met. In StepStones’ Youth Support Services program 54% of youth were diagnosed with mental health conditions and 85% of youth reported struggling with their mental health. However, through StepStones’ programs, 90% are being supported and/or are receiving treatment.

In our program, StepStones’ workers identify the unique mental health needs of youth and work with them by connecting youth with practitioners, making and attending appointments with youth, seeking out alternative treatment options, and supporting youth through the process of recovery.

What You Can Do: 

One activity that benefits mental health is exercise. Taking time to get outside and get active is crucial to our well-being and has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.  

That is why we are once again calling on people like YOU to get active and do some good by stepping up and joining Step Up for StepStones!

There are over 45,000 children and youth in the foster care system in Canada. By joining, you commit to walking, running, or rolling 45,000 steps the week of June 11-17: one step for every young person in foster care. 

Have your friends and family cheer you on through your personal fundraising page and your steps will support youth in and from foster care at StepStones.

Here’s How It Works:

1. Register as an individual or rally a team together

2. Share your fundraising page with friends and family

3. Walk, run, or roll a total of 45,000 steps from June 11-17

Be sure to send us photos and videos of you stepping up to @stepstonesfy on Instagram and be sure to use the hashtag #StepUpForStepStones

Every participant will also receive assistance in setting up their fundraising page and step counter app. If you use a wheelchair, we provide information on how to participate too.  

Step up today and help these youth take their next step.

Register to Step Up for StepStones

Any more questions? Email us at [email protected]