Building Better Futures Together
" Personal growth is generally intentional and self-directed. It refers to steps taken or techniques used to improve oneself, whether that’s through building healthy habits, learning important skills, or gaining self-awareness."
By Dayna Winter (2022)
Our Story
Ray’s Place is more than a memorial — it’s a mission. Founded in honor of Raymond Fletcher, a bright and compassionate young African-American man with autism whose life was tragically cut short, Ray’s Place exists to continue his legacy of love, hope, and opportunity.
In Raymond’s name, we’re building a safe haven where teens aging out of foster care can not only survive—but thrive. Ray’s Place provides transitional housing, financial literacy education, life-skills training, and access to essential community resources, empowering young adults to step confidently into independent living.
Across our community, countless teens face uncertainty the moment they “age out” of foster care. Many lack stable housing, job readiness, or a trusted support network. Ray’s Place bridges that gap—offering stability, mentorship, and a path toward a successful, purpose-driven future.
Our Vision and Milestone
In May 2024, Ray’s Place proudly received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status — a major step forward in transforming compassion into action. To turn this vision into a permanent home and lasting legacy, we are actively seeking funding for startup costs through grants, individual contributions, and corporate partnerships.
Join the Mission
Your partnership can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. By donating, sponsoring, or volunteering, you help us build a foundation of hope, healing, and opportunity for teens transitioning out of foster care — ensuring no one is left without a place to belong.
Together, we can make Ray’s Place a cornerstone of community transformation — where every young adult finds not just a house, but a home filled with purpose, stability, and love.
Our Mission
Our mission is to reduce youth homelessness by providing a nurturing and supportive home for teens and young adults who are aging out of foster care, empowering them with the tools and resources necessary to transition into independent and successful lives.
We are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment promoting personal growth, financial literacy, education, employment opportunities, spiritual and emotional well being development, and dream building. Relationships with other organizations with similar goals will be developed to support these efforts. We are focused on bridging the gap between struggling youth and successful adults living within and serving their community.
Better
Together
Follow Our Journey of Impact and Inspiration #bettertogether
Testimonial
August 16, 2023
To Whom it May Concern,
I’m extremely delighted to talk about my experience with Karen Fletcher as my Foster Mother. I went to live with her when I was 16 years old, a very difficult teen I might add. She was exceptionally patient with me and I’ll be forever grateful to her for that. I learned many things being with her, first and foremost was that there were still good people in this world.
As a lost teen at that time I thought no one had their best interest for me. It took some time to adjust but she’s a natural at making you feel comfortable, making you feel wanted and conversations were always fun! I definitely felt like I could talk to her about anything. She made me feel like I was really family to her and that meant so much since I had lost mine.
I got to know her and learned she’d earn numerous degrees and I admired her so much for it. I didn’t think college was for me but she always said “you can do anything”. She’d pick me up from school and drive me to night school so that I wouldn’t fall behind and graduate on time. I not only graduated on time but I graduated high school 6 months early.
I went on to the military and we’ve kept in touch ever since and still to this day see each other when time permits. I’d say I’m one of the lucky ones I had an incredible Forster parent who actually cares for the kids she takes in. You can’t find someone better then Karen Fletcher!
I credit her for the trajectory of where my life went. She was an enormous influence for me of what I wanted to achieve having seen a successful woman with an education and a career. I had an incredible career with the military and now currently work for the government and just a few months from graduating with my Masters Degree as well.
I highly recommend Karen Fletcher to continue fostering.
Priscilla Collins