Sisters in Service: Jessica Rogers helps foster youth transition from ‘surviving to thriving’

Jessica Rogers, executive director, Connections to Independence

Jessica Rogers has a unique connection with the youth she serves. 

Rogers, executive director of Connections to Independence (C2i) has led the organization in working with youth and young adults ages 14 to 25 who are currently in or aging out of the foster care system, helping them transition into adulthood with stability and support. 

C2i began as a program of Summit Academy OIC in North Minneapolis in 2002 before establishing its 501(c)3 status in 2010, becoming its own nonprofit organization. Now approaching 16 years in service, the organization continues to focus on preventing foster youth from falling into cycles of homelessness, criminal justice involvement or other systemic challenges.  

The work of C2i is deeply personal for Rogers, who was born into foster care and later adopted. That lived experience fuels her commitment to supporting young people navigating the same system, calling it her “divine purpose in life.”

“Our young people need us,” she said. 

Rogers describes C2i’s work as a holistic approach to guiding young people essentially from surviving to thriving in community.

“The work we do here is with youth and young adults who are in and aging out of the foster care system,” Rogers said. “It's education, housing, employment, financial wellness and personal wellness.”

Many of the youth served by C2i are Black and brown.

The organization provides core programs designed to support independent living skills including workshops for teens, hands-on aftercare services that help young adults apply those skills in real life situations and advocacy initiatives that empower youth to speak up about issues affecting the foster care system. 

Community leaders say C2i plays a critical role in supporting youth as they transition into adulthood. 

Kristy Synder, policy and system transformation officer at Youthprise, said the foster care experience often intersects with many other challenges young people face. 

“Fosters have a specific experience that needs to be honored, but also one that is intersectional,” she said. “C2i plays a critical role in providing intentional cultural connection, holistic support and a safe space to dream. C2I treats each person they work with as a unique, talented author of their own lives.” 

Another key component of C2i’s work is its Emerging Leaders Program, where alumni mentor younger participants and engage in community advocacy. 

Justin Marschinke, an alumni and current Emerging Leader Board Member of C2i, said guidance from trusted adults can make a lasting difference for young people who may not have stable support systems.

“Every young person could use some guidance,” Marschinke said. “Many of the youth that C2i work with do not come from stable homes or they do not have parents who are involved enough to prepare them for adulthood.”

He added that programs like C2i help young people build leadership skills and develop a sense of independence that can shape their futures. 

“Learning independence and being taught leadership skills from adults who care about the young person and their future can help set them up for success,” Marschinke said. 

As C2i continues its work, Rogers says one of the biggest challenges facing the organization today is funding. Like many community-based nonprofits, the organization relies heavily on donations and partnerships to continue providing service. 

“We really need community support right now,” Rogers said. 

Despite those challenges, Rogers remains hopeful because of the resilience she sees in the young people she works with everyday. 

“Their resilience is amazing,” Rogers said. “Young people really give me hope and give me strength. Their hopefulness, and just knowing that we are making a difference.”