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Press Release
Lucky Duck Foundation and Prebys Foundation Launch “United for Youth,” a $5 Million Collaborative to Transform Outcomes for Foster Youth
New initiative drives collaboration across 40+ different organizations to aid 500+ youth
San Diego, CA – November 20, 2025 — The Lucky Duck Foundation (LDF) and Prebys Foundation, with additional support from the David C. Copley Foundation, have launched United for Youth, a groundbreaking $5 million regional effort designed to transform outcomes for current and former foster youth throughout San Diego County.
United for Youth unites more than 40 youth-serving organizations and community partners in a coordinated, data-driven and deeply collaborative system of support that focuses on employment, housing, and mentorship helping foster youth build pathways to lasting independence.
United for Youth is designed to aid more than 500 youth over the next two years. It represents one of the largest, most collaborative youth homelessness prevention efforts in the region’s history.
“Far too many young people exit foster care without employment, a mentor, or a roof over their head and are often immediately at risk of homelessness,” said Drew Moser, CEO of the Lucky Duck Foundation. “By aligning the strengths of dozens of trusted organizations, we’re creating a first-of-its kind interconnected system that helps youth achieve a fulfilling and prosperous life.”
The effort is designed to combat the very troubling trends facing foster youth: 65% leave foster care at age 18 with no place to call home; after reaching the age of 18, 20% will become instantly homeless; only 50% are employed by age 24; and 71% of young women in foster care become pregnant by age 21, facing the dual challenge of parenting while navigating their own transition to adulthood.
“What makes this effort truly powerful is the deliberate partnership between funders and community leaders,” said Grant Oliphant, CEO of Prebys. “When collaboration is this intentional and focused, it becomes transformative. Together, we’re investing in a tangible, purposefully designed initiative that can change the trajectory for hundreds of young people moving through or beyond foster care.”
After a series of focused symposiums and follow-up meetings, LDF & Prebys issued an RFP designed and based on collaboration by inviting co-applied proposals. This process ultimately led to the melding of four proposals co-led by seven agencies collectively guiding more than 40 organizations. Additionally, each co-lead’s CEO, board chair, and program manager signed an agreement outlining their commitment to deeply collaborate.
“This collaborative exists because the Lucky Duck Foundation and Prebys Foundation had the foresight to unite San Diego’s leading foster youth and homeless youth organizations under a shared vision. Their investment and leadership have transformed a fragmented system into a coordinated network that’s aligned, accountable, and focused on measurable impact for youth.” said Eric Lovett-Maerz, Founder & CEO of Urban Street Angels.
United for Youth will operate as a shared-impact collaborative, ensuring that every dollar, every mentor, and every program contributes to a unified goal of improving life outcomes for foster youth. All participating organizations will routinely convene to measure outcomes and determine where and how the collaboration and the system can be strengthened. In addition to LDF & Prebys each providing $2 million over the next two years, the David C. Copley Foundation is providing $900,000 to expand the expected reach of the program to more than 500 youth.
The launch marks a pivotal moment in regional philanthropy, emphasizing the shared responsibility and opportunity to stand united for San Diego’s youth.
United for Youth invites foundations, corporations, community leaders, families, and individuals to join this growing movement of collaboration and impact. By investing financial resources, professional expertise, or mentorship, partners can play a direct role in transforming outcomes for foster youth across San Diego County.
To learn more and get involved, visit luckyduckfoundation.org/
United for Youth Collaborative Overview
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ABOUT THE LUCKY DUCK FOUNDATION
The mission of the Lucky Duck Foundation (LDF) is to prevent and alleviate the suffering of homelessness throughout San Diego County. LDF and its co-founders, Pat & Stephanie Kilkenny, have funded and activated bridge shelters, employment and job training programs, winter coats that transform into sleeping bags, life-saving food and water distribution, trash clean-up, and more. The name Lucky Duck Foundation honors the Kilkenny family’s Irish heritage and their love for the University of Oregon Ducks. The premise is simple: if you have had some good luck and fortune in your life, share your luck with those less fortunate. To encourage this, Pat & Stephanie personally match all donations up to $1.5 million per year.
Follow the Lucky Duck Foundation on social: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| LinkedIn
ABOUT PREBYS FOUNDATION
The Prebys Foundation is the largest independent private foundation in San Diego County. Dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all, the Foundation invests in four program areas: arts and culture, youth success, health and well-being, and medical research. Learn more at prebysfdn.org.
ABOUT THE DAVID C. COPLEY FOUNDATION
The mission of the David C. Copley Foundation is to carry on the Copley family’s legacy of giving by funding nonprofit organizations making a difference in the areas of human services, military and military veterans, youth development, medical and medical research, education, arts and culture and animal welfare, especially those programs and services improving the life or opportunities of the underserved in the San Diego area. Learn more at https://copleyfoundation.org/
WHAT UNITED FOR YOUTH PARTNERS ARE SAYING
“Promises2Kids is excited to be a part of this incredible change effort for foster children and youth. Building a fully integrated collaborative for our youth ensures that foster youth have the tools, opportunities and community behind them in a way that ensures they will thrive. Thank you Lucky Duck Foundation, Prebys Foundation, and Copley Foundation for investing in our youth and prioritizing the prevention of homelessness for these vulnerable youth.” – Tonya Torosian, CEO, Promises2Kids
“At the core of this extraordinary collaboration is our commitment to community – staff, volunteers, mentors, peers, lived experience coaches – from first contact and continuing with every touchpoint and interaction. This community approach will be youth-centered, offer easy to access resources and focus on lasting connections, self-sufficiency and well-being.” – Don Wells, CEO, Just In Time
“Youth Assistance Coalition is honored to be part of this vital collaborative dedicated to supporting foster youth. By working together, we’re building a system that provides young people with the resources, guidance, and community they need to reach stability and independence. We are deeply grateful to the Lucky Duck Foundation, the Prebys Foundation, and Copley Foundation for their commitment to preventing homelessness among foster youth, and for investing in their futures.” – Heather Lezon, CEO, Youth Assistance Coalition
“Our Resilience Project is happy to partner with United for Youth to recognize and address the challenges foster youth face as they transition into adulthood. As a team, we are not just reacting to youth’s challenges but also working together to prevent homelessness by reaching out to these youth earlier and building lasting connections, ensuring long-term stability. This investment is the first of its kind, and we are grateful to Lucky Duck, Prebys, and Copley Foundations for their support in pioneering this collaborative.” – Deanna Mellos, Co-Executive Director, Center for Positive Change
“Friends of the Children is honored to collaborate with so many impactful organizations in San Diego committed to improving the lives of young people impacted by the foster care system,” said Terri Sorensen, CEO of Friends of the Children – National. “With our focus on the children of parents impacted by the system, our proven long-term, paid professional model will demonstrate that intergenerational change is possible. Thank you to the Lucky Duck, Prebys, and Copley Foundations for investing in a vision of unity and promise for young people who have incredible potential and who face some of life’s greatest challenges.” – Terri Sorensen, CEO, Friends of the Children
