The mission of Forward Paths is to positively influence at risk youth and forever revolutionize their path to independence.

In 2024, Forward Paths Foundation took a bold step to improve the lives of Lake County's homeless youth, including those "aging out" of foster care. In partnership with HomeAid Orlando, we built and opened a micro-community of 10 cottages in Eustis, Florida, called Cottages on Grove.

Each 600-square-foot cottage houses two youth. Two other houses on the property, donated by First United Methodist Church of Eustis, offer homes to seven more. Forward Paths has another 14 young people scattered in rental houses around the county, for a total of 41 beds.

The need for affordable housing in Central Florida is both acute and widespread. It's a huge barrier to a young adult's ability to become self-sufficient. With the need for more housing, this year, our staff and board members are determined to expand our housing further by building another community of tiny homes— the goal is to build another 10 cottages, this time in Leesburg, where many of the young people we help are finishing their high school education.

We believe these two micro-communities together could become a beacon of hope, not only for struggling youth but also for our community. We invite and encourage residents to join with us to help young people who have long been ignored as they strive to become part of a joyful, welcoming society here in Lake County.