The 614 Initiative.

It’s time to rebuild.

We’re building the bridge from foster care to independence.

At Make It Matter: The Collective, we believe that when youth have consistent relationships, safe housing, and holistic support, they don’t just survive — they thrive.

That’s why we believe in The 614 Initiative, a 32-bed apartment community that represents more than housing. It’s a launchpad for life.

What The 614 Initiative Will Offer

1. Safe, Fully Furnished Apartments

Every young adult will have their own space - fully furnished and move-in ready.
No plastic bins or garbage bags - they’ll walk into a home that feels like home.
Each apartment includes:

• Bedroom, living area, kitchen, and bathroom

• Essential furnishings and welcome essentials (linens, cookware, décor)

• Access to community laundry, gym, and outdoor space

“We want them to feel the dignity of turning a key that’s their own - maybe for the first time ever.”

2. Built-In Mentorship & Case Support

Each resident remains connected to their mentor from The Collective — the same consistent voice that’s guided them since high school.
In addition, they’ll have a dedicated Life Coach on site to support:

• Employment & education goals

• Financial literacy & budgeting

• Emotional and mental health support

• Weekly check-ins and accountability plans

Our model ensures that no young adult ever feels dropped or forgotten once they move in - mentorship simply evolves into community.

3. Life-Skills & Growth Programming

Residents will participate in weekly sessions that build practical and emotional readiness for independent adulthood.
Topics include:

• Career readiness and job placement

• Nutrition, cooking, and health management

• Relationship skills and boundaries

• Emotional wellness and spiritual growth

• Leadership, communication, and goal setting

These sessions will be a blend of structured workshops and real-life learning, because the most powerful education happens around the table, in community.

4. Employment Pathways & Partnerships

Through partnerships with local businesses, universities, and community organizations, residents will have access to:

• Paid internships and job opportunities

• GED, college, or trade school support

• Transportation assistance for work or school

• Resume and interview coaching

Our goal: when residents graduate from The 614 Initiative, they leave with employment, education, and empowerment.

5. Community, Belonging, and Purpose

Each resident will contribute to a shared community - through chores, communal meals, and celebrations that model what healthy independence looks like.
Residents will also be invited to mentor younger peers entering the program, creating a cycle of giving back that sustains hope for future generations.

“They come here as residents - they leave as leaders.”

6. Graduation to Independence

After 24+ months, residents will “graduate” with:

• Savings in place

• Employment or continuing education

• A support system that doesn’t vanish

• A clear housing plan for their next step

At graduation, each young adult receives a “Keys to Independence” package — household essentials, a deposit for their next place, and the ongoing mentorship of their Make It Matter family.

The Ripple Effect

Every youth who stabilizes their life through The 614 Initiative creates a ripple:

• Fewer homelessness cases.

• Fewer incarcerations.

• More employment and education.

• More young adults giving back to their community.

The 614 Initiative isn’t charity - it’s restoration.
It transforms instability into belonging, and statistics into stories of redemption.