Foster youth can do amazing things.
Beyond Our Kin provides a voice and supports the '400,000 Foster Youth in the USA and 33,000 in Los Angeles'. We empower foster youth to unleash their potential and flourish beyond adversity. Beyond Our Kin is dedicated to enhancing foster youth's social and emotional well-being by providing holistic support and transformative programs. Our mission is to raise awareness and inspire foster youth to overcome challenges, discover their unique strengths, and thrive in all aspects of life. Founded in 2020 by CEO Ava Walker, Beyond Our Kin (formerly Art, Film, Goods, Pantry Foundation) has supported over 2,000 foster youth and counting.
Our Founder
Ava Walkers Journey
As a former foster youth and having experienced homelessness as a teen. Writing every day and prayer was her coping mechanisms. From an early age she had visions of turning her pain into purpose. Finding herself a stable home, becoming an author and screenwriter with the aim of helping and inspiring other foster youth to beat the odds and never lose hope.
Ava often states her deeply rooted gratitude for all the positive influences she was provided, from people who believed in her, nurtured, and guided her. Ava founded Beyond our Kin (BOK) to pursue her aspirations and sense of responsibilities to help foster youth who are sadly often forgotten in our society, and to increase foster care awareness throughout the communities.
Her story demonstrates that adversity can be overcome and foster youth can turn their disadvantages into opportunities. It just takes a village beyond our kin.
Our Vision
"Empowering Every Foster Youth to Unleash Their Potential and Flourish Beyond Adversity.”
At BOK, we envision a world where foster youth are seen for their potential, not their past. Where every young person has the support and opportunities to thrive despite the odds against them.
Our Mission
Transforming Lives Through Support and Opportunity
Dedicated to enhancing the social and emotional well-being of foster youth, BOK provides holistic support and transformative programs. We inspire each individual to overcome challenges, discover their unique strengths, and thrive in all aspects of life, echoing Ava's belief that adversity can be turned into opportunity with the right support.
Let’s change the world together
Here at Beyond Our Kin, we are breaking down barriers to give foster youth a voice and the opportunities that they deserve. Join our mission to raise awareness and inspire individuals to overcome challenges, discover their unique strengths, and thrive in all aspects of life. Whether through volunteering, partnership, or donation, your involvement makes a real difference.
OUR BOARD
