HeadsUp Fox Cities supports young individuals transitioning out of the foster care system with the stability, resources, and opportunity to thrive in adulthood. Founded by a former foster youth who experienced firsthand the barriers and limited support within child welfare, the organization was created to give young adults from challenging backgrounds the opportunities and guidance they need to reach their potential.
Since 2023, HeadsUp has served 108 young adults and provided 7,815 hours of direct support, helping complete nearly 800 individualized goals and find work for 81% of participants.
The HeadsUp Method
Through the HeadsUp method, HeadsUp Fox Cities designs its programs and services through the expertise of people with lived experience, prioritizing training and resources shaped by those who have navigated the child welfare system themselves.
Each participant’s plan is fully individualized, guided by their needs and goals. HeadsUp meets basic needs without conditions, provides trust‑based mentorship, builds life skills, offers strong advocacy, connects youth to community resources, and supports them in securing stable housing for long‑term independence.
“The staff at HeadsUp makes me feel supported in a way I don’t with others. This program helps me prepare for adulthood and make better decisions, while not overwhelming myself figuring it out alone,” states a participant of HeadsUp. “I enjoy the group hangouts because there are always opportunities to meet new people and form new friendships. The advocates are friendly, supportive, and never judgmental. I always feel like I can be myself around them.”
The organization empowers individuals by offering transitional housing, personalized mentorship, and community‑driven support that helps remove barriers, build life skills, and foster lasting independence.
Our Impact
Recently, the County Materials Family of Companies, through the Sonnentag American Foundation, provided a donation to support HeadsUp Fox Cities programming.
For young adults navigating adulthood after foster care, support looks very different from one person to the next. With our support, HeadsUp Fox Cities can provide personalized support, practical resources, and the consistent relationships needed to move forward.
Together, we’re helping young adults work towards goals that many people take for granted, such as having a safe, stable place to live, earning a diploma or GED, completing job training, enrolling in college or technical school, securing employment, learning how to manage their finances, and building healthy relationships.
This year alone, six young adults successfully transitioned from HeadsUp Fox Cities Transitional Housing Program into their own permanent housing. This transition represents much more than moving into an apartment—it demonstrates their ability to manage rent and utilities, maintain employment, and make decisions independently and with confidence.
Through the Sonnentag American Foundation, the County Materials Family of Companies is proud to support organizations like HeadsUp Fox Cities to empower young adults with the individualized support they need to navigate life’s challenges.
