A small community perched on the Pacific coast has just become a virtual hub for a national organization helping foster youth cope, adjust and survive a turbulent adolescence. Seaside is the new base of FosterClub, and local Web designer Mark Tolonen of Data Sculptors is the Webmaster of its new site, fyi3.com.

 

The acronym stands for "foster youth involved, informed and independent," according to FosterClub executive director and site designer Celeste Bodner. She explained the site's goal is to be a resource for older children who are "aging out" - leaving the court and foster care system. "We are very excited that these young people will have a resource to help them as they enter a difficult time in their lives," Bodner said. "The more good information they possess, the better decisions they can make."

 

The site offers message boards, user contests and how-to tips for foster youth, as well as legal information, news and legislation, and a nationwide list of resources by state that helps foster children navigate their way through the court system.