What is True Up?
An Innovative initiative to empower young people in care and foster alumni with essential life skills needed to be self-sufficient.
A collaborative effort to distribute knowledge and resources to foster care agencies across the state of Kentucky.
A caring group of foster care alumni, led by foster care alumni, offering peer support and guidance in overcoming life’s obstacles.
Levels to Success
Advocacy and Empowerment
Empowering individuals to advocate for their rights and needs, and supporting efforts for systemic change and social justice.
Career and Educational Advancement
Aligning career goals with educational opportunities, including career mapping, job readiness, professional growth, and furthering education.
Community Service
Encouraging participation in and contribution to community service and local initiatives.
Financial Management
Offering guidance on budgeting, saving, and managing finances effectively.
Healthy Relationships
Promoting the development of positive, supportive, and respectful relationships.
Housing Stability
Ensuring access to safe, affordable, and stable housing.
Mental and Physical Health
Supporting overall well-being through mental health resources, physical health care, and wellness practices.
Parenting Support
Assisting with resources and strategies for effective parenting and child development.
Transportation
Facilitating reliable and accessible transportation options.
Founding Members
True Up is a collaborative movement spearheaded by eight non-profit agencies in Metro Louisville to enhance services for foster youth. Our founding members include:
Uspiritus (Formerly Bellewood & Brooklawn)
Boys and Girls Haven
Home of the Innocents
Maryhurst
St. Joseph’s Children’s Home
Sunrise Children’s Services
Metro United Way (fiscal agent)
Current Members
Boys and Girls Haven
Ayla Espinosa
email
Diane Wilson
email
Family Scholar House
Demitria Collins-Love
email
Home of the Innocents
Erin Crutcher
email
Kentucky Youth Advocates (fiscal agent)
email
As a boy, Frank Harshaw experienced some of the difficult challenges of growing up in foster care. With help and encouragement from others, he was determined to gain an education, a good job and an independent life.
Nikki Thornton is the esteemed former Executive Director and Founder of True Up, started in 2011 in Louisville, KY. Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Thornton has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the welfare of foster youth and alumni. Her visionary leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping True Up into a beacon of support and empowerment for individuals navigating the challenges of transitioning from foster care to independent adulthood.