Empowering Foster Youth through Global Exploration

In the often turbulent journey of foster care, the transition to independence can be one of the most daunting hurdles. For foster youth, stepping out of the care system into the wider world can feel like embarking on an uncertain voyage, fraught with challenges and obstacles. As they navigate this transition, many face a stark reality: limited access to opportunities that can broaden their horizons and shape their futures. However, amidst these challenges, The X Pollen Collective hopes to be a beacon of hope, empowering foster youth to see beyond the confines of their past. will. This will become one of the most important initiatives to the organization.

Spearheaded by Founder Melissa Mathieson, The X Pollen Collective plans to donate lodges to foster kids coming out of care. The Foster Care system is widely overlooked and rarely receives the support and attention it deserves. Collaborating with several Family Services organizations, The X Pollen Collective, collaborating with several Family Services organizations, will offer teenagers aging out of the system the opportunity to travel, work, or even take classes in the UK and Europe.

The experiences we plan to facilitate will start with the beauty, magic and adventure found in the Scottish Highlands and offer these young adults a journey that transcends geographical, social and economic boundaries. By immersing themselves in new cultures and landscapes, they not only get an opportunity to expand their worldview but also cultivate invaluable life skills, inspiration, personal growth and a feeling of belonging.

Easing a path to inspiration, collaboration and production

The X Pollen Collective as a whole, is an organization dedicated to being cross-functional and illuminating various unexpected collaborations. In times when the lodges are not being donated, The X Pollen Collective will be renting out the lodges, as well as building an additional initiative - The X Pollen Young Artist's Residency with studio recording and production.  This will not only offer opportunity to the Foster Youth initiative but other young artists looking for space and inspiration to create. With a lengthy portfolio of experience and collaboration in music production and graphic design, Kenny Mathieson plans to offer recording facilities and expertise to striving young artists. This will be another period of time when The X Pollen donates lodges and facilities to those who might never have the opportunity.