I am Veronica Garrett, a Family Nurse Practitioner with over two decades of nursing experience dedicated to serving others through compassion, advocacy, and clinical excellence. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with diverse populations, with a deep and enduring passion for supporting vulnerable youth—particularly those navigating the foster care system.
The DeMarKus Foundation was born from a place of profound loss, transformed into a purposeful mission to uplift, advocate for, and create pathways of hope for young people in need.
After the unimaginable loss of my son, Demarcus, my world shifted in ways I could never have prepared for. In a time when I felt unseen and unheard, I began to recognize the deeper gaps in support that so many individuals and families quietly face.
Grief has a way of opening your eyes—to pain, to compassion, and to the silent struggles that often go unnoticed. What began as a deeply personal journey through loss grew into a greater calling: to uplift, support, and stand in the gap for young people who too often feel overlooked.
For over a decade, I have worked closely with youth in the foster care system—particularly young adults aging out without stable housing, consistent guidance, or a reliable safety net. I have seen firsthand what happens when support ends at 18, while the need for mentorship, structure, and community continues.
I have encountered resilient young men and women full of potential, yet lacking the resources and sustained support needed to successfully navigate adulthood.
That is where the DeMarKus Foundation steps in.
We are building more than housing—we are creating a bridge to stability, dignity, and independence. Through transitional living programs, life skills training, and career readiness support, we equip young adults with the tools they need not just to survive, but to truly thrive.
This mission is deeply personal. Every life we touch carries forward a legacy of love, purpose, and resilience. Every opportunity we create represents a future that may have otherwise been out of reach.

The mission of DeMarKus Foundation is to empower young adults aging out of foster care by providing transitional housing, career readiness training, and independent living support that promotes stability, dignity, and long‑term self‑sufficiency..

The DeMarKus Foundation envisions a future where foster care youth transitioning into adulthood are no longer left to navigate independence alone. We believe that every young person deserves stability, opportunity, and the support necessary to build a secure and self‑sufficient life.
Our vision is rooted in the belief that housing stability is foundational to success. Without a safe place to live, youth aging out of foster care face overwhelming barriers that can lead to homelessness, unemployment, and long‑term instability. The DeMarKus Foundation exists to change that trajectory by creating intentional, structured pathways that lead from foster care to independence—and ultimately to homeownership and economic mobility.
Through our Pathway to Independence model, we seek to redefine what transition support looks like for foster care youth. We envision communities where young adults are equipped not only with housing, but also with the life skills, financial knowledge, mentorship, and career readiness needed to thrive. Our approach emphasizes dignity, accountability, and empowerment, ensuring that participants are active partners in their own growth and success.
The DeMarKus Foundation also envisions strong collaborative networks among community organizations, employers, housing partners, and advocates. By working together, we aim to close systemic gaps and build sustainable solutions that extend beyond temporary support. Our vision is not short‑term relief, but long‑term impact—measured through stable housing outcomes, employment, educational attainment, and lasting independence.
At the heart of our vision is generational change. By investing in foster care youth during one of the most critical transitions of their lives, we believe we can interrupt cycles of instability and create pathways toward stability, self‑sufficiency, and wealth‑building opportunities. We envision graduates of our programs becoming homeowners, community leaders, mentors, and advocates for those who follow behind them.
The DeMarKus Foundation is committed to being a trusted partner, a responsible steward of resources, and a catalyst for change. Our vision is a future where foster care youth are no longer defined by the challenges they faced, but by the strength, resilience, and independence they achieve.
“This foundation didn’t just help me—they believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
— Young Adult, Age 21
We envision a future where foster care youth are no longer left to navigate adulthood alone—where stable housing, life skills, and opportunity create a true pathway to independence and long‑term success.
“Because of this support, I’m building a life I’m proud of.”
— Former Foster Youth
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