Just in Time for Foster Youth
Just in Time for Foster Youth is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free wraparound services—including housing furnishings, education, employment, transportation, financial literacy, and mental wellness—to transition-age foster youth aged 18-26, leveraging a community-based volunteer model and staff largely composed of former foster youth.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2003
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Just in Time for Foster Youth does
Just in Time for Foster Youth (JIT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in San Diego, California, that delivers a comprehensive ecosystem of wraparound services to transition-age foster youth aged 18-26 who have spent time in the foster care system. Founded in 2002-2003 by child advocacy attorney Jeanette Day and Diane Cox after delivering holiday gift baskets to young people aging out of foster care, JIT became an independent 501(c)(3) in 2007 and currently employs 11-50 staff, more than half of whom are former foster youth who previously used the organization's services.
JIT's core programs include My First Home (donated furniture and household items for first apartments), College Bound (higher education support), Career Horizons/Pathways to Financial Power (employment coaching), Financial Fitness (financial literacy), Changing Lanes/Drive2Success (driver's license and donated vehicles), Rise to Resilience (trauma-informed wellness) and Mental Wellness Services (free therapy with nine onsite therapists via telehealth, individual, group, and art modalities), My Life My Story (identity development cohorts), and the JIT Network mobile app for online community access. The organization operates a My First Home Distribution Center at 4561 Mission Gorge Place (with a moving truck funded by Las Patronas), a North County Drop-In Center in Vista in partnership with North County Lifeline, and a Mission Valley office for events.
The business model is a donation-and-grant-funded nonprofit: all services are provided free to eligible youth, with revenue drawn from individual donations, foundation and corporate grants (Lucky Duck Foundation, Prebys Foundation, NBCUniversal Project Innovation, Clinton Foundation, The San Diego Foundation), event fundraising (Walk the Talk, Igniting HOPE Festival, Empower Party, Spooktacular), and in-kind contributions of furniture, vehicles, and goods. JIT served approximately 3,000 young people annually, contributed 5,000+ annual volunteer hours, maintained 150+ partner collaborations, and held a 4-star Charity Navigator rating and GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. In 2025, JIT joined the multi-organizational EPIC (Empowering Positive Impact & Connections) partnership backed by multi-year seed funding from Lucky Duck and Prebys Foundations, supporting a stated 10-year vision to reach 100,000 young people nationwide.
Just in Time for Foster Youth firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Just in Time for Foster Youth
- Legal name
- Just in Time for Foster Youth
- Website
- https://jitfosteryouth.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2003
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Just in Time for Foster Youth is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers free wraparound services—including housing furnishings, education, employment, transportation, financial literacy, and mental wellness—to transition-age foster youth aged 18-26, leveraging a community-based volunteer model and staff largely composed of former foster youth.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Just in Time for Foster Youth industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth and Family Social Services
- NAICS
- Child and Youth Services (62411), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Individual and Family Services (6241)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Financial Assistance & Benefits Navigation Services (BPAGAEAK), Benefits Counseling & Financial Literacy for Transition-Age Youth (EDAKANAJ)
Keywords
Where Just in Time for Foster Youth is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Just in Time for Foster Youth business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: JIT receives donations from individual donors through various giving programs including monthly giving clubs, one-time gifts, and legacy giving. The organization maintains investor and sponsor relationships.
- Foundation and Corporate Grants: JIT receives grants from foundations such as Lucky Duck Foundation, Prebys Foundation, NBCUniversal Project Innovation, and others. These multi-year seed funding arrangements support specific collaborative initiatives.
- Event Fundraising: JIT hosts annual fundraising events including Walk the Talk celebration and other community events that raise funds for services.
- In-Kind Donations: JIT receives donated furniture, household items, vehicles, and other goods from community members to support My First Home and other programs.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Just in Time for Foster Youth product offering
Product offeringCore offering
JIT provides free, community-based wraparound services to transition-age foster youth (ages 18-26) in San Diego County, including furniture and household furnishings for first apartments (My First Home), higher education coaching (College Bound), employment and professional development (Career Horizons / Pathways to Financial Power), financial literacy coaching (Financial Fitness), transportation and vehicle support (Changing Lanes / Drive2Success), trauma and resilience workshops (Rise to Resilience), free individual and group therapy (Mental Wellness Services), identity-building cohorts (My Life My Story), and an online community platform (JIT Network). Services are delivered through volunteer-supported coaching relationships, partnerships with nonprofits, and in-person/telehealth sessions, funded entirely by individual donations, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and event fundraising.
Product overview
Just in Time for Foster Youth is a nonprofit organization that operates as a multi-service platform rather than a single product. The organization offers an integrated ecosystem of programs designed to help transition-age foster youth (ages 18-26) achieve self-sufficiency and well-being. The core services include: My First Home (furniture and household furnishings for first apartments), College Bound (higher education support), Career Horizons/Pathways to Financial Power (employment services), Financial Fitness (financial literacy), Changing Lanes/Drive2Success (transportation assistance), Rise to Resilience and Mental Wellness Services (mental health support), My Life My Story (personal development cohorts), and the JIT Network (online community mobile app). These services work together as a comprehensive support system addressing housing, education, employment, financial stability, transportation, and mental health needs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- My First Home Provides donated furniture, household items, and essential furnishings to help transition-age foster youth turn empty first apartments into comfortable homes; supported by a warehouse-style distribution center and a JIT-owned moving truck. Intended for transition-age foster youth ages 18-26 in San Diego County.
- College Bound Supports foster youth in pursuing higher education through coaching, mentorship, and academic guidance to help them apply to, enroll in, and graduate from college. Intended for transition-age foster youth pursuing post-secondary education.
- Career Horizons / Pathways to Financial Power Employment-focused program helping foster youth achieve meaningful employment through professional development, coaching, networking, and a conference-style event. Intended for transition-age foster youth pursuing career readiness and advancement.
- Financial Fitness Financial literacy program teaching skills including opening bank accounts, budgeting, credit repair, saving, and retirement planning through volunteer coach partnerships. Intended for transition-age foster youth building financial self-sufficiency.
- Changing Lanes / Drive2Success Transportation assistance program helping foster youth obtain driver's licenses and access donated vehicles through the Drive2Success vehicle-donation partnership with Stacy and Chuck DenHerder. Intended for transition-age foster youth needing reliable transportation for independence and employment.
- Rise to Resilience Wellness program helping transition-age foster youth recognize and mitigate the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress through workshops, coaching, and an annual retreat. Intended for transition-age foster youth needing trauma healing and resilience-building.
- Mental Wellness Services Provides free therapy sessions including individual, group, family, couples, and art therapy with nine onsite therapists offering telehealth services to address mental health needs of foster youth regardless of insurance. Intended for transition-age foster youth requiring accessible mental health support.
- My Life, My Story Gender-focused cohort program for youth ages 18-26 engaging participants in self-exploration, personal development, and confidence building through partnerships with coaches and peer workshops. Intended for transition-age foster youth seeking identity development and supportive cohort experience.
- JIT Network (The JIT Network App) Online community platform accessible via mobile app and website that connects foster-youth members to critical resources, peer support, and supportive relationships designed by and for foster youth. Intended for current and former JIT participants to extend engagement beyond in-person services.
- Basic Needs & Emergency Assistance Provides emergency support and basic necessities to foster youth facing critical situations including food assistance during government shutdowns or benefit delays. Intended for transition-age foster youth in immediate need.
Quantifiable outcome
- Nearly 3,000 young people empowered annually
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Just in Time for Foster Youth
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Just in Time for Foster Youth technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Just in Time for Foster Youth partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Kids in the Spotlight (KITS)coreJIT partnered with KITS to launch a storytelling initiative introducing KITS' 'Script to Screen' model to transition-age foster youth in San Diego. The program gives young people opportunities to explore storytelling, filmmaking, and creative self-expression through hands-on workshops where they develop screenplays and work with professional production crews.
- Drive2Success (Stacy and Chuck DenHerder)coreCollaboration connects former foster youth ages 18-26 with donated vehicles. Community members donate vehicles which are inspected, repaired if needed, and prepared for handoff. Participants meeting eligibility requirements are matched with vehicles through a supportive process.
- OUR Arts FoundationminorOne of three nonprofits benefiting from the 'Banding Community Together' fundraising event on March 3, 2026 at Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach.
- Community Resource CenterminorOne of three nonprofits benefiting from the 'Banding Community Together' fundraising event supporting programs for trauma survivors, families in crisis, and young adults transitioning from foster care.
- Promises2KidscorePart of EPIC (Empowering Positive Impact & Connections) partnership - a multi-organizational collaboration addressing barriers and exploring root causes of challenges facing young adults impacted by the child welfare system. JIT started as an auxiliary of the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation, now known as Promises2Kids.
- Lifeline Community ServicescorePart of EPIC partnership - a groundbreaking multi-organizational partnership that proactively shares experiences, expertise, and empowering resources to prevent homelessness, empower employment success, and create reliable connections for young people ages 16 to 28+.
- Home StartcorePart of EPIC partnership providing an interconnected ecosystem of resources and relationships needed for young people to achieve self-sufficient lives.
- Junior AchievementcorePart of EPIC partnership addressing employment success and economic empowerment for young adults impacted by foster care.
- YMCAcorePart of EPIC partnership providing comprehensive support services through YMCA's network for young people transitioning from foster care.
- North County LifelinecorePartnership to open a North County Drop-In Center at 302 N. Indiana Ave in Vista. The collaboration allows JIT to overcome geographic and transportation barriers for North County youth, expanding reach to an estimated 100 additional young people. North County Lifeline's LifeSpring program provides clinically-based support.
- Pedal AheadminorPartnership providing bicycles to JIT participants as part of transportation support services.
- Jerome's FurnitureminorPartner providing furniture donations and support for JIT participants moving into their first apartments.
- Solana Beach Presbyterian ChurchminorVolunteer support for My First Home participant move-ins, helping youth set up their apartments.
- Step Up Foster Youth Mentors at the Rock ChurchminorPartner creating special framed Disney puzzles and other donations for JIT participants.
- DeloitteminorCommunity partner that brought volunteer support to JIT, with teams assisting at My First Home distribution center and other JIT locations.
- Clinton FoundationminorPartnership through Strong Families, Thriving Communities initiative, a three-year project with HHSA and The San Diego Foundation to advance quality of life for children and families in San Diego County.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Just in Time for Foster Youth competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Just in Time for Foster Youth social profiles
Digital presenceJust in Time for Foster Youth financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Just in Time for Foster Youth leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Just in Time for Foster Youth funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Just in Time for Foster Youth M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Just in Time for Foster Youth
What does Just in Time for Foster Youth do?
JIT provides free, community-based wraparound services to transition-age foster youth (ages 18-26) in San Diego County, including furniture and household furnishings for first apartments (My First Home), higher education coaching (College Bound), employment and professional development (Career Horizons / Pathways to Financial Power), financial literacy coaching (Financial Fitness), transportation and vehicle support (Changing Lanes / Drive2Success), trauma and resilience workshops (Rise to Resilience), free individual and group therapy (Mental Wellness Services), identity-building cohorts (My Life My Story), and an online community platform (JIT Network). Services are delivered through volunteer-supported coaching relationships, partnerships with nonprofits, and in-person/telehealth sessions, funded entirely by individual donations, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and event fundraising.
Is Just in Time for Foster Youth a public or private company?
Just in Time for Foster Youth is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Just in Time for Foster Youth founded?
Just in Time for Foster Youth was founded in 2003. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Just in Time for Foster Youth based?
Just in Time for Foster Youth is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does Just in Time for Foster Youth make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are foundation and Corporate Grants, event Fundraising and in-Kind Donations.
Does Just in Time for Foster Youth have an API?
No public API is recorded for Just in Time for Foster Youth.
What industry is Just in Time for Foster Youth in?
Just in Time for Foster Youth's product category is Youth and Family Social Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGADAK, Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits, with a secondary code of BPAGAEAK, Financial Assistance & Benefits Navigation Services. Its NAICS code is 62411 and its SIC code is 8300.