Bates Mission

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We’re often asked, “What does a Spirit Night actually look like?”

The answer: lots of different things. From donuts and cheese classes to game nights and shopping parties, Spirit Nights turn everyday events into meaningful support for young adults aging out of foster care.

If this sparked an idea — or made you think of a business owner we should meet — send us a message. 💙

Happy Mother's Day to every woman showing up for someone today . . . whether or not it's in the job title. 💛🌸

The ones who stepped in, stayed, and kept showing up. You know who you are.

📊 This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to zoom in on something specific.
When we talk about mental health and foster care, the conversation often stays broad. But the data tells a more detailed story.

Research from the Casey National Foster Care Alumni Study found that foster care alumni experience major depression at about 1.5 times the rate of the general population and panic disorder at more than three times the rate.

These aren't random numbers. They reflect years of instability, trauma, disrupted relationships, and transitions that most people never have to navigate, often without consistent support or access to care.

Mental health outcomes don't develop in a vacuum. They grow out of the conditions people live in. And for young adults aging out of foster care, those conditions are harder than most people realize.

That's why stability — a safe place, consistent people, basic needs met — matters as much as it does. 💙

📚 Sources: Casey National Foster Care Alumni Study (Casey Family Programs) National Library of Medicine