MISSION
Leon’s Legacy Builder exists to empower vulnerable and underserved youth through trauma-informed mentorship, life skills education, workforce development, emotional wellness support, and community engagement, fostering resilience, self-sufficiency, and long-term success.
VISION
Leon’s Legacy Builder envisions a future in which every vulnerable youth, regardless of trauma or life circumstances, has access to safe support systems, meaningful opportunities, educational and career pathways, and the confidence to thrive as healthy, productive, and independent members of society
PURPOSE
The purpose of Leon’s Legacy Builder is to address the growing crisis facing vulnerable and at-risk youth by providing trauma-informed mentorship, life skills development, educational support, workforce readiness training, emotional wellness services, and community-based intervention programs that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency.
Our Purpose
Across the United States, millions of youth face challenges related to abuse, neglect, foster care involvement, homelessness, exploitation, poverty, violence, and lack of support systems. According to national data: Approximately 424,000 children are in foster care annually in the United States. Nearly 1 in 7 children experience abuse or neglect each year. Youth aging out of foster care are significantly more likely to experience homelessness, unemployment, incarceration, and human trafficking. Studies show that nearly 50% of homeless youth were involved in the foster care system at some point in their lives. Commercial sexual exploitation disproportionately impacts vulnerable youth, particularly girls with histories of trauma, instability, and abuse. Young people without access to mentorship and support services face higher risks of educational failure, mental health struggles, substance abuse, violence, and economic instability. Leon’s Legacy Builder exists to interrupt these cycles by creating safe, supportive pathways toward healing, independence, leadership, and success. Through prevention, intervention, mentorship, and community collaboration, the organization seeks to improve outcomes for vulnerable youth while strengthening families and communities. Our commitment is built around the belief that investing in one life can create generational impact — because when we save one young person, we help build a lasting legacy of success for entire communities.
Foster Care Statistics for Reference
The U.S. Administration for Children and Families (AFCARS) reports that hundreds of thousands of children are in foster care annually in the United States. Reference: Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). https://acf.gov/cb/research-data-technology/statistics-research/afcars Child Abuse & Neglect Statistics The CDC and NCANDS identify child abuse and neglect as a major national issue affecting millions of children and families. References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About Child Abuse and Neglect. https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/index.html National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS). https://healthdata.gov/stories/s/National-Child-Abuse-and-Neglect-Data-System-NCAND/kaeg-w7jc/ Youth Aging Out of Foster Care & Homelessness Research consistently shows that youth aging out of foster care face significantly higher risks of homelessness, unemployment, and instability. References: National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Youth Homelessness Overview. https://www.ncsl.org/human-services/youth-homelessness-overview Youth.gov. Child Welfare System and Homelessness. https://youth.gov/youth-topics/homelessness-and-housing-instability/child-welfare-system Penny Lane Centers. Foster Care Statistics 2026. https://www.pennylane.org/resources/foster-care-statistics Human Trafficking & Exploitation Risks Vulnerable youth, especially runaway and foster-involved youth, are at increased risk for trafficking and exploitation. References: Connecticut State Audit on DCF and Trafficking Risks. https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/audit-ct-dcf-faulted-children-running-away-state-20394003.php Kaya, Y. B., et al. Improving Access to Housing and Supportive Services for Runaway and Homeless Youth. https://arxiv.org/abs/2202.00138 Trauma & Mental Health Outcomes for Foster Youth Studies show foster youth experience disproportionately high rates of trauma exposure and mental health challenges. References: Penny Lane Centers. Foster Care Statistics. https://www.pennylane.org/resources/foster-care-statistics Kumar, I., et al. Cultivating a Supportive Sphere: Designing Technology to Increase Social Support for Foster-Involved Youth. https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.09838 For grant writing, I recommend using: Government sources first (CDC, ACF, Youth.gov) National nonprofit research organizations second (Annie E. Casey Foundation, NCSL) Academic studies are third for supporting evidence
Contact us from Lawrenceville
For prompt and reliable support, please submit your inquiry using the form below. Our team is committed to responding within one to two business days.
