Being seen
Young people deserve spaces that recognize and affirm who they are.
Awareness. Education. Belonging.
Belonging
shouldn’t end
at eighteen.
Help 2SLGBTQIA+ young people move toward adulthood with the understanding, resources, and support they deserve.
For higher education, state child welfare agencies, and the people shaping young lives.
Bring the training to your organization Partner with Journey to JosiahSound starts off.
Watch full videoYOUTH AT THE CENTER.
Stronger understanding. More affirming institutions. Better support.
01 / The support gap
Growing up is hard.
Doing it without support
shouldn’t be the norm.
Too many 2SLGBTQIA+ young people enter adulthood without adequate support, resources, or understanding from the institutions around them.
For youth impacted by foster care, adoption, and aging out of systems, a transition can also mean losing the people and structures they rely on. Colleges, agencies, and youth-serving organizations have a role to play in what comes next.
Understanding their experience is the first step.
Changing how we show up is the next.
Our mission
Safe spaces.
Affirming futures.
Journey to Josiah empowers communities to create safe, affirming environments for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth impacted by foster care through trauma-informed education, training, and advocacy, while increasing opportunities for affirming adoption and fostering.
Why it matters
Support is more than
a service.
Having someone to turn to
Transitions call for trusted relationships and people who understand their experience.
Having a path forward
Education, resources, and consistent support can help youth navigate their next chapter.
DAVID D. MARSHALL, CPC
Founder. Adoptive father. Advocate.
02 / The person behind the purpose
A personal journey.
A shared responsibility.
For David, this work began with family.
Becoming Josiah’s adoptive father inspired David D. Marshall to establish Journey to Josiah. Today, his work connects that personal perspective with education, advocacy, and training for the people serving 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
David D. Marshall, CPC, created the A.C.C.E.S.S. Framework™ to equip professionals, caregivers, educators, and service providers with practical tools for supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth impacted by foster care.
Founder & CEOCertified professional coachTraining creator & speaker
Book David to speak Read David’s full story ↗03 / Turn awareness into action
Meet A.C.C.E.S.S.
Our signature training brings the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth into focus—and helps the institutions serving them take the next step.
Build understanding
Explore identity, belonging, and the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth impacted by foster care and adoption.
Examine your environment
Consider how everyday interactions and institutional practices shape a young person’s sense of safety and support.
Start a better conversation
Connect your team’s questions with ways to create more affirming, trauma-informed environments.
Affirming Culture · Confidentiality & Consent · Communication · Environment & Safety · Supportive Practices · Systems Navigation
Let’s discuss your audience, your goals, and how the training can support your organization.
04 / Your institution has a role
Bring the mission
into your work.
From a campus conversation to an agency-wide training, change starts with people willing to participate.
Train your team.
Bring A.C.C.E.S.S. to the educators, agency staff, and professionals supporting young people.
Explore trainingBuild a partnership.
Explore awareness, advocacy, and alternative support solutions alongside Journey to Josiah.
Partner with usInvite David in.
Make space for a meaningful conversation about identity, family, and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
Book David to speakPartners & supporters
A mission strengthened
by connection.
Together with our partners and supporters, we work toward safer, more affirming communities for young people.
Help carry the mission forward
Make room for
more possibility.
Support the awareness, education, advocacy, and support solutions that put 2SLGBTQIA+ young people first.
Let’s start a conversation
A stronger system
of support starts
with your next step.
Tell us a little about your organization and how you’d like to get involved.
davidmarshall@journeytojosiah.org(410) 972-6446Interested in a partnership or sponsorship? Use our partnership & sponsorship inquiry form.