We sponsor free Parents’ Night Out events so foster families can enjoy rest, recharge, and reconnect. Children experience a fun, safe evening with trusted volunteers while caregivers receive a well-deserved break.

Meals and Support for Group Homes

During breaks and busy seasons, we deliver meals, treats, and encouragement to group homes. These small gestures remind children they matter and help support the dedicated staff caring for them daily.

Hygiene Kits and Basic Needs

We assemble and distribute hygiene kits for children and teens in foster care, along with basic necessities when needs arise. No child should go without essentials like soap, deodorant, or clean clothing.

Holiday and Special Event Support

From Christmas dinners to birthday supplies, we help create joyful moments for kids who often feel forgotten during the holidays or significant seasons.

Summer Camp Partnerships

We proudly partner with Royal Family Kids Camp (RFKC) and Teen Reach Adventure Camp (TRAC) by: Providing snacks, meals, and supplies Assisting with trainings Speaking encouragement to youth Supporting volunteers and leaders

Supporting Young Moms

Some of our young women step into motherhood without guidance or stability. We provide diaper drives, baby supplies, emotional support, and practical resources to ensure they never walk this road alone.

Supporting Other Foster Families

We regularly help foster families with furniture, clothing, food, school supplies, and other essentials that help create a stable, nurturing environment for the children in their care.

Mental and Emotional Support Tools

We provide stress balls, comfort kits, transition bags, and other tools designed to help children self-regulate and feel secure during difficult moments.

Programs

AGED-OUT FOSTER YOUTH PROGRAM

FFYH OUTREACH PROGRAM

TRAINING PROGRAM

FFYH GRANT PROGRAM

GIGI'S COTTAGE PROGRAM

Aged-Out Foster Youth Program

Family Doesn’t End at 18

At Firm Foundation Youth Homes, turning 18 doesn’t mean the end of belonging. Our Alumni Program walks with young adults as they step into independence with hope, guidance, and connection. They may leave our home, but they never leave our family.

Young adults who previously lived at Gigi’s Cottage or Firm Foundation Youth Homes Typically ages 18 and up Often entering adulthood without the safety net most young people rely on Still deeply connected to our FFYH community Many of our young adults carry fears and uncertainties as they transition into adulthood. Some lack consistent adults to call for advice, a ride, encouragement, or a place to land when life feels overwhelming. That’s why our Alumni Program exists—to walk with them through real life, not just during their time in our home.

Transition planning and resource navigation Life skills coaching (budgeting, groceries, job searches, applications) Housing stability support Crisis support and emergency assistance Community care connections (mental health, medical, education) Regular check-ins through text, calls, or visits Family-like traditions (holiday baskets, dinners, birthdays) Opportunities to stay connected with staff and peers Encouragement to grow in independence with appropriate support Our Alumni Program acts as a bridge into adulthood. Whether we’re helping secure housing, celebrating milestones, or offering comfort during tough moments, we walk with each young adult with grace, consistency, and genuine care.

FFYH Outreach Program

A Community of Care Beyond Our Walls

Our mission is bigger than any single home. Through our Outreach Program, Firm Foundation Youth Homes supports children, teens, families, and group homes across Arizona with practical help and meaningful connection. Every child in foster care deserves to feel seen and supported, no matter where they live.

What Our Outreach Program Does

Why Outreach Matters

Not every child can live at Gigi’s Cottage, but every child deserves care and connection.

Outreach allows us to:

Meet needs quickly and compassionately
Encourage foster families and group home staff
Bring moments of joy to kids facing uncertainty
Build bridges of grace and support throughout the community
Expand our mission far beyond our walls

We’re always exploring new ways to serve.

The needs in the foster care community are constantly changing, and so are the opportunities to help. We actively pursue new ideas, new partnerships, and new ways to support children and families with dignity and love. If you have ideas or want to partner with us, we’d love to hear from you.

Training Program

Equipping Adults Who Care for Kids From Hard Places

Peter and Julie Bartolini, founders of Firm Foundation Youth Homes, are seasoned caregivers, leaders, and certified trainers in TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) and Grace-Based Parenting. After decades of fostering, adopting, mentoring, and leading youth homes, they bring deep wisdom and compassion to every training they offer. Peter and Julie are also available for keynote talks, staff development, and leadership trainings.

TBRI® Training A holistic, evidence-based approach that supports the complex needs of children with trauma histories. Topics include: Building trust and connection Understanding attachment and trauma Empowering youth through safety and regulation Correcting behavior with connection, not punishment Practical tools for homes, classrooms, and group settings Grace-Based Parenting Training A relational, hope-centered approach that helps adults provide: Secure love Strong hope Significant purpose All allowing children the freedom to be different, vulnerable, candid, and imperfect.

When adults are equipped, children flourish. Training helps: Reduce fear-based behaviors Strengthen connection and cooperation Increase caregiver confidence Support stability in homes and group care Build resilience in children Create environments where healing is possible Healing happens through relationships. By equipping the adults who surround our youth, we strengthen the entire network of care across Arizona.

UPCOMING TRAINING PROGRAMS

FFYH Grant Program

Supporting Group Homes Across Arizona

Group homes play a vital role in caring for vulnerable youth; yet many operate with limited resources. We understand these challenges firsthand. That’s why we created the FFYH Grant Program, a practical way to support compassionately, helping meet needs that directly benefit children and strengthen the homes that care for them.

We’re Here to Support You

Group homes carry enormous responsibility, and you don’t have to carry it alone. FFYH is honored to partner with homes across Arizona to help every child feel safe, supported, and valued.

Gigi's Cottage Program

A Home for Girls Ages 9–17

Gigi’s Cottage is a warm and welcoming home for girls ages 9 to 17. Some come from foster, adoption, or kinship placements that did not work out. Others arrive from residential treatment centers or therapeutic group homes. For many, Gigi’s Cottage is a hopeful step toward stability, connection, and healing.