About FAN
FAN is a youth-centered community of safe places and linked hearts.
Since 2005, FAN has changed the lives of more than 1000 teens in foster care and those who may be impacted by the child welfare system by providing an after-school and summer-time “home base”—a safe and engaging space with supportive staff. For many young people, this is the most consistent home and family that they have known.
FAN breaks cycles and changes community narratives to create a safer, more connected, more loving world where youth can thrive.
We empower youth impacted by the child welfare system by providing opportunities to nurture their interests and talents, acquire new skills, and gain a sense of personal and group recognition in an atmosphere of hope.
The name FAN has deep roots in the foundation of the organization. FAN stands for Fihankra Akoma Ntosaso, meaning safe house, linked hearts. In the Akan culture of West Africa, the Fihankra is a communal housing compound which symbolizes a “safe enclosure” or “safe house.” Akoma Ntoaso means “linked hearts,” and is a symbol of understanding and agreement. Many young people do not have access to such safe environments, which are critical to their development.
Timeline
2005 — FAN is Co-Founded
Fueling a shared vision for equitable support systems in DC, Wyneshia and Nia co-founded FAN to uplift communities through advocacy, mentorship, and access to holistic services.
2005–2020 — Building the Framework
FAN established itself as a trusted community-based organization. Through partnerships and pilot programs, FAN expanded its reach across the District, focusing on advocacy, youth empowerment, and family stabilization.
2021–2023 — Strengthening Our Impact
FAN launched several new initiatives aimed at youth mentorship, mental health awareness, and systems navigation for families facing barriers. The network deepened relationships with schools, agencies, and grassroots leaders.
2024 — Expansion of the FAN Community
FAN welcomed new professionals and mentors into the network, including social workers like Victoria Wilson, continuing its tradition of fostering leadership and peer support.
2000s — Seeds of a Movement
Wyneshia R. Hicks, LCSW-C/LICSW and Nia West-Bey, PhD met while working together at a DC nonprofit providing case management services to youth and families. Recognizing deep gaps in culturally responsive, youth- and family-centered support, they began envisioning a new kind of network.
2025 — Looking Ahead
As we celebrate our milestones, FAN continues to evolve. With new partnerships and a growing team, we're expanding our capacity to serve more families and advocate for systems-level change.
Why Washington, D.C. Needs FAN
In Washington, D.C., Ward 8 residents face significant social vulnerability. Ward 8 is one of the District’s most under-resourced Wards, with adverse factors such as housing insecurity, food insecurity, and income inequalities only compounding the disparities that youth impacted by the child welfare system experience. Transition-aged youth and adults who experienced the foster care system as children also experience a disproportionate risk of homelessness, poverty, and contact with the juvenile and criminal justice systems.
FAN’s organizational programming is designed to reach and support vulnerable youth and teens through young adulthood. At our youth-led peer-operated center (POC), we provide a safe environment for youth to come to be accepted and allowed the autonomy to become advocates for themselves and their peers.
Visit the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) Dashboard to learn more about the demographics of children in foster care.
