Extra-Ordinary Life (XOL) is a 501 (c ) (3) organization that provides educational and support services to teen girls living in foster care environments in Washington, DC. Our mission is to provide extraordinary life changing experiences to foster youth that inspire them to DREAM BIG and ACHIEVE. Through exposure and meaningful life experiences, we seek to expand their perspective on life and their potential—and stimulate a desire to dream and achieve despite the challenges of living in care.

OUR BELIEF

XOL provides the "extra"… the exposure to people, places, opportunities and impactful experiences that inspire these youth to dream BIG; and that shape and position them to be successful.  

OUR PURPOSE

Every child deserves the love of a caring adult. Yet every day, thousands of abused and/or neglected children in the District of Columbia face the extraordinarily difficult reality of living without the safety and stability of a permanent, nurturing home. Over 60% of youth in DC foster care are teenagers (age 13+) who have spent years moving from one temporary home to another, with no family to call their own. They are forced to navigate life without the guidance and support of a responsible, caring adult.

Although public agencies work tirelessly to lead these youth to safety, and equip them with skills necessary to function independently as adults – government is not a sufficient parent. Foster youth need the same guidance, exposure and access to opportunities that kids with a "normal childhood" experience. Further, they need to see that exposure and education creates the choices and opportunities for them overcome their extraordinarily challenging circumstance and lead a successful, extraordinary life.


XOL provides aspirational experiences that fuel a child's desire to dream and shows them a path to achieve their goals. Like a good parent, we champion and position foster youth to compete and excel and encourage them to pursue higher education.