Future Forward Initiative

Empowering Careers. Supporting Wellness. Transforming Communities.

The Future Forward Initiative is a groundbreaking program by Pursuing the Dream Foundation, Inc., designed to tackle the dual challenges of economic opportunity and mental health support in underrepresented communities. This visionary model blends career development, digital learning, mentorship, and emotional wellness into a unified, people-centered framework for lasting success.

Why Future Forward?

In today’s fast-evolving job market, success requires more than technical skills. Many individuals—especially those from marginalized backgrounds or returning citizens—face systemic barriers such as:

  • Limited access to mentorship
  • A lack of mental health support
  • Gaps in digital literacy and job readiness
 

Future Forward bridges these gaps by combining modern tools, compassionate mentorship, and inclusive training to unlock personal and professional growth.

The Initiative Mission

To create transformative pathways to economic mobility and emotional resilience for individuals facing systemic barriers—helping them not just to survive, but to thrive.

Program Highlights

💻 Digital Skill Development

  • Online courses with certifications in high-demand fields

  • Self-paced learning supported by interactive tools

  • Training to bridge the digital divide for today’s job market

🤝 In-Person Workshops & Mentorship

  • Career readiness, financial literacy, and professional navigation

  • Community mentorship network led by industry professionals

  • Real-life connections that foster confidence and opportunity

🔁 Support for Reentry Populations

  • Tailored support for individuals transitioning from incarceration

  • Workforce reintegration tools and employer partnerships

  • Solutions to reduce recidivism and promote self-sufficiency

🧠 Mental Health Integration

  • On-site and virtual counseling from licensed professionals

  • Workshops that promote emotional wellness and resilience

  • Mental health as a foundation for personal and professional growth

Our Goals

  • Train 500 individuals annually for career advancement

  • Support 150 returning citizens with workforce integration

  • Connect 75% of participants to mental health services

  • Partner with 10+ local businesses for jobs and mentorship

A Holistic Model for Real Impact

Future Forward goes beyond the job search. It equips participants to build confidence, break cycles of poverty, and create meaningful change in their lives and communities. Through this initiative, we foster:

  • Self-worth and emotional strength
  • Career empowerment and financial literacy
  • Community revitalization and sustainable opportunity

Program Roadmap

  • Phase 1: Research & Community Needs Assessment

  • Phase 2: Pilot Programs & Early Partnerships

  • Phase 3: Program Expansion & Scalable Implementation

Building for the Future

Our three-year plan includes a scalable rollout funded by a $235,000 investment to support:

  • Digital platform development and content

  • Workshops and mentoring programs

  • Mental health services

  • Administrative and partnership infrastructure

Beyond grant support, we will sustain the program through:

  • Diverse funding (grants, donations, sponsorships)

  • Revenue-generating offerings (corporate training, subscriptions)

  • Community partnerships and alumni networks

Join Us in Moving Future Forward

We are calling on funders, partners, and community advocates to support this innovative, life-changing initiative. Together, we can:

  • Break generational cycles of disadvantage

  • Promote mental health and career resilience

  • Create brighter, equitable futures for all