WELCOME TO INDIGO HEIGHTS

Serving Young Women Ages 18–25 Transitioning Out of Foster Care

Empower Change:
A Program of Indigo Rising Collective

Help young woman

“Every young woman deserves a place to land, roots to grow, and a community to rise with.”

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About Indigo Heights

Sharing Compassion, Transforming Lives

Indigo Heights is a transitional and supportive housing program for young women aged 18–25 who are transitioning out of the foster care system. We offer safe, stable, fully furnished housing along with structured programs that empower residents to develop independence, achieve self-sufficiency, and embrace a purposeful and intentional way of living.

The program is operated by Sojourn to Conscious Living LLC and supported by Indigo Rising Collective, its nonprofit programming partner focused on providing education, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities for transition-age youth (TAY) across Los Angeles.

Our Mission

To provide young women transitioning into independence with a safe, supportive home environment, along with the tools, connections, and resources needed to create stable, self-directed lives.

Who We Serve

Indigo Heights Supports Young Women Who:

Are between the ages of 18 and 25 and have experience in the California foster care system

Are committed to participating in programs and building independent living skills

Live in, or are open to relocating to Los Angeles County

Are facing housing instability or are at risk of becoming homeless

Would benefit from a structured and supportive living environment

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Our Values

Dignity

Every resident is treated with respect, free from judgment and without conditions on receiving essential care.

Conscious Living

We encourage awareness of oneself, the community, and the environment through everyday actions and practices.

Community

No resident walks alone; each person is connected to a caring, supportive, inclusive, and nurturing network.

Empowerment

Our team provide the skills, confidence, and resources needed to help residents shape their own future.

What Residents Receive

Housing & Essential Support

• Private or Shared furnished bedroom within a structured residential environment
• Access to communal living areas, kitchen, laundry facilities, and study space
• Utilities provided, including electricity, water, and internet access
• Secure and stable housing with established house rules and community expectations

Programs & Personal Development

• Participation in all six Indigo Rising Foundation Collective programs (RISE, COMPASS, PATHWAYS, LAUNCH, ROOTS, BOND)
• Weekly group sessions and one-on-one check-ins
• Community gatherings, cultural activities, and educational field opportunities

Case Management & Resource Coordination

• Personalized service planning and goal-setting with an assigned case manager
• Assistance accessing benefits such as CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI, and TAY vouchers
• Coordination with outside service providers, courts, and county agencies
• Support obtaining essential documents (ID, birth certificate, Social Security card)

Community & Peer Connections

• Supportive peer community of young women in similar stages of life
• Connections to South LA local organizations, faith-based groups, and community networks
• Ongoing alumni support and community engagement after program completion

OUR CAUSES

Our Programs

Residents at Indigo Heights benefit from six structured programs offered through the Indigo Rising Collective Foundation. Each program is designed to support every aspect of a young woman’s journey, including housing stability, education, career development, wellness, family connections, and community engagement.

RISE — Readiness, Independence & Self-Empowerment

RISE equips residents with essential life skills for independent living, including financial literacy, budgeting, household management, time management, and decision-making. The program helps young women build confidence, responsibility, and the practical skills needed for long-term success.

COMPASS — Coaching, Mentorship & Pathways to Purpose

COMPASS connects residents with mentors and life coaches who provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Through individual and group support, participants identify personal goals, strengthen self-awareness, and develop a clear sense of direction for the future.

PATHWAYS — Education & Career Navigation

PATHWAYS supports educational and career growth through academic guidance, career exploration, résumé development, interview preparation, vocational referrals, and job placement assistance. The program helps residents access opportunities that lead to meaningful employment and continued learning.

LAUNCH — Entrepreneurship & Economic Mobility

LAUNCH empowers aspiring entrepreneurs with knowledge of business fundamentals, financial planning, and economic growth strategies. Residents gain access to valuable resources, and connections with organizations that support small business development and self-sufficiency.

ROOTS — Cultural Identity & Healing Arts

ROOTS promotes healing, self-expression, and cultural pride through trauma-informed activities. By engaging in storytelling, creative arts, and community experiences, residents strengthen their identity, process personal experiences, and build emotional resilience in a supportive environment.

BOND — Family Reconnection & Community Integration

BOND helps residents strengthen healthy relationships with family, relatives, and community members. The program encourages civic participation & meaningful social connections, helping young women establish supportive networks and a stronger sense of belonging.

WHY CHOOSE US

How to Make a Referral?

We accept referrals from caseworkers, social workers, court-appointed advocates, nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, healthcare professionals, educators, and anyone who knows a young woman who could benefit from our program.

Step-by-Step Referral Process :

Eligibility at a Glance :

Age: 18–25 years old

Foster care history or TAY system involvement

Housing unstable or at imminent risk of homelessness

Willing to engage with programming and follow house community agreements

No active arson or registered sex offense conviction (safety screening applies)

What to Include in a Referral

While formal documentation is not required to begin a referral, providing the following information allows us to respond promptly and make the necessary preparations.

Young woman’s full name, age, and contact information

Brief description of current housing situation and urgency

Foster care history or TAY involvement (if known)

Any known health, safety, or support considerations

Your name, organization, title, and best contact information

Whether the young woman has consented to the referral

OUR PROGRAM

Partner With Us

Indigo Heights thrives when its partners thrive. We actively build relationships with organizations and individuals who share our dedication to supporting the well-being of young women involved in the foster care system across South Los Angeles.

Who We Welcome as Partners

Partnership Inquiry

Please complete this form and submit it to info@indigorisingcollective.org or call (619) 750-8232.

Young Woman’s Information

By submitting this referral, you confirm that you have the young woman’s consent to share her information with Indigo Heights, or that you are requesting that we make initial outreach on her behalf. Indigo Heights complies with all applicable privacy laws including Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Housing requirements..

Partnership Opportunities

Referral Partner

Agree to connect eligible young women to our intake process; receive updates on placement and progress (with consent)

Program Partner

Provide services, programming, or workshops to Indigo Heights residents (employment training, legal aid, health services, etc.)

Community Sponsor

Provide in-kind goods, volunteer time, or financial support to enhance resident programming and basic needs

Employer Partner

Offer internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level employment opportunities for current residents and alumni

why we built this

MARIA DOWD

FOUNDER + CEO + DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING

I have spent my adult life in the service of women and community — through empowerment conferences that reached nearly 30,000 participants, through solar energy advocacy rooted in environmental justice, through entrepreneurship rooted in holistic self-care and wellness, and now through Indigo Heights.

“This is the most personal work I have ever done.”

I think about my daughters. My grandchildren. I think about what it means to have people in your corner when you’re young and finding your footing. Every resident who walks through our doors is someone’s daughter — and she deserves a real chance.

Indigo Heights is not a charity. It is a belief system made into a building — the belief that when we invest in young women with sincerity, structure, and love, they rise. Every time.

LAUREN CAROTHERS

CFO + DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Lauren Carothers

Programs built on good intentions don’t last. Programs built on sound strategy, strong fiscal stewardship, and genuine accountability do. That is the work I bring to Indigo Heights every single day.

For more than a decade, I have worked at the intersection of finance, operations, and community impact, helping organizations build systems that are both sustainable and mission-driven.

“Sustainability is how you honor the people you serve.”

My role is to ensure that every decision and every dollar entrusted to us is used with integrity, and that the systems we build are strong enough to outlast any grant cycle. These young women deserve consistency, stability, opportunity, and lasting support. That is the standard I work to uphold every single day, without compromise.

FAQs

How long can a resident stay?

Our program is designed for stays of 12–24 months. Length of stay is individualized based on each resident’s progress toward her transition plan goals. Residents who need more time may be eligible for extended support.

Is there a cost to the resident?

Indigo Heights operates on a sliding scale. Residents receiving NMD funding, TAY vouchers, or other subsidies may apply those toward program costs. We work with each resident to ensure cost is never a barrier to housing.

What if a young woman is not currently in the foster system?

A young woman does not need to be actively in the foster system to be eligible. We serve those who have aged out or been otherwise involved with the foster care system, including those who were in kinship or guardianship placements.

What if she has a child?

We understand that many young women in transition are also parenting. Please contact our intake coordinator to discuss specific housing configurations and services available for young mothers

What if there is no current availability?

We maintain a waitlist and work to connect young women with interim resources while they wait. Please do not hesitate to refer even when you are unsure of current availability — we will always do our best to help.

Can I submit a referral without the young woman’s knowledge?

In some situations, a caseworker or advocate may wish to explore options before involving the young woman. We welcome those conversations. Formal intake, however, requires her participation and consent.

Do you accept referrals for young men or non-binary individuals?

At this time, Indigo Heights is a housing program specifically designed for young women. We are happy to connect you with partner programs serving other gender identities.