Focused on Growth Academy

San Francisco, California, 94112 United States

Mission Statement

The mission of Focused on Growth (F.O.G.) Academy is to empower transitional-age youth in California to overcome systemic barriers and achieve independence. Through programs centered on personal development, mental and physical wellness, substance abuse recovery, career preparation, and community engagement, we strive to equip youth with the tools they need to lead resilient and fulfilling lives. Vision We envision a future where all transitional-age youth have access to the support, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. By fostering wellness, providing workforce development opportunities, and promoting peer support, we aim to break cycles of instability and create healthier, more equitable communities where every young person can realize their full potential.

About This Cause

Who We Are Focused on Growth (F.O.G.) Academy is a grassroots nonprofit organization founded on the belief that healing is the foundation of growth. Based in California, we support transitional-age youth primarily ages 16–24 who are navigating complex challenges such as poverty, housing instability, foster care transitions, substance use recovery, and reentry from incarceration. Our leadership and staff bring lived experience, cultural competency, and a shared commitment to equity, empowerment, and sustainable change. What We Do Our programs are designed to be trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based. We meet youth where they are and support them across six key areas: Mental & Physical Wellness: Peer support groups, access to therapy, and wellness workshops to help youth develop emotional and physical resilience. Substance Abuse Recovery: Judgment-free recovery resources, coaching, and community-based harm reduction tools. Workforce Development: Resume workshops, job placement support, mock interviews, and soft skills training to help youth gain economic independence. Life Skills Training: Financial literacy, conflict resolution, goal-setting, and healthy relationship education. Emergency & Basic Needs Support: Food, hygiene kits, winter clothing, and holiday gift distribution for youth and families living in poverty. Community Engagement & Mentorship: Leadership development and community service projects that build confidence and connection. Impact Since launching, F.O.G. Academy has served over 250 youth and families through direct support, outreach, and programming. Our annual “Holiday Hope for 100 Families” campaign alone impacts more than 250 individuals, providing meals, coats, and gifts to those facing hardship during the winter season. More importantly, we’re seeing real transformation: Youth report improved emotional regulation, self-esteem, and trust in community resources. Participants have re-engaged with school, started jobs, or reunited with families. Families are gaining short-term stability and long-term connection to healing and support systems. Strategic Goals (2024–2026) Program Expansion – Launch year-round mental health and workforce readiness tracks across two counties. Youth-Led Leadership Council – Center youth voice in programming, peer mentoring, and community partnerships. Sustainable Infrastructure – Secure multi-year grants, expand staff capacity, and establish a mobile outreach unit. Community Healing Hubs – Develop safe spaces in underserved neighborhoods for ongoing support, education, and empowerment. Return on Investment (ROI) for Donors & Partners When donors and companies invest in F.O.G. Academy, they’re helping to: Break generational cycles of poverty and trauma Increase school and job retention among vulnerable youth Build healthier, more resilient communities Strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion outcomes through grassroots, culturally informed solutions A single gift of $100 can provide a week’s worth of groceries and hygiene supplies to a youth in crisis. A $500 donation supports a wellness cohort of 10 youth for a month. And corporate partnerships help us scale high-impact programs across California. Let’s Grow Together At Focused on Growth, we believe healing drives opportunity. We’re proud to partner with compassionate individuals, corporate teams, and giving programs like Benevity to create lasting impact. Thank you for helping young people reclaim their power and thrive.

Focused on Growth Academy
855 Lisbon Street
San Francisco, California 94112
United States
Phone 4159120394
Unique Identifier 884284525