Each year, many young adults in Alabama transition into adulthood without a stable home.
For those aging out of foster care, this milestone can often signal uncertainty rather than a fresh start. At just 19, many face a daunting path ahead, often alone.
Erica Hardesty is determined to shift that narrative.
As the founder and managing director of The Make It Matter Collective, a nonprofit based in Huntsville, Hardesty is dedicated to aiding teens in foster care as they make this crucial transition into adulthood. Her commitment stems from the belief that every child deserves to know their worth and to possess the tools necessary to craft fulfilling lives.
Long before establishing her organization, Hardesty cultivated a passion for youth development. After completing her degree in social work at Auburn University, she spent years as a foster care social worker in Alabama.
During that time, she observed firsthand the hurdles faced by teens nearing independence—everything from insufficient resources to the emotional burdens of not having a permanent family.
“My husband, David, and I have always wanted to support these young people in real, meaningful ways,” Hardesty shared. “We hope Make It Matter: The Collective will become a vital resource for them.”
Together, they founded Make It Matter: The Collective, aiming to empower young people on their journey toward independence.
As the organization expanded, Hardesty sought innovative ways to achieve her goals. By combining her love for flowers with her service-oriented mindset, she started Noella’s Flowers, first as a flower truck and later as a shop in Huntsville’s Stove House development.
The flower business quickly became a community favorite and a major funding source for the nonprofit. Each day, part of the proceeds supports Make It Matter: The Collective, helping foster teens in Alabama find hope.
Every year, Noëlla’s hosts Fête en Blanc, a chic community event where all proceeds also benefit this mission. Through her entrepreneurial efforts, Hardesty has crafted more than just a flower shop—she’s created a sustainable support system for youth development in north Alabama.
The mission is evident: to provide foster care teens with the guidance and resources they need to transition into adulthood. Make It Matter offers one-on-one coaching and skill-building support to help these young people discover their inherent purpose as they navigate housing, finances, education, and employment.
A key component of this mission is the 614 Initiative, inspired by Isaiah 61:4: “They will rebuild the old ruins and raise up new cities from the rubble.” This program pairs each youth with a dedicated mentor who offers steady guidance and encouragement.
“We’re helping them connect with existing resources to make their transition from foster care less intimidating,” Hardesty explained.
Make It Matter is also collaborating with local schools to kick off pilot mentorship programs where foster youth are matched with mentors aimed at enhancing their life skills, achieving goals, and accessing community resources.
To further this mission, Hardesty and her team have launched the Now Is the Time Capital Campaign. They aim to raise $7.5 million to construct a transitional housing complex for the 614 Initiative in Owens Cross Roads.
This facility promises to be more than just a roof over their heads; it will provide a nurturing environment for foster youth aged 18 to 21, incorporating apartments alongside essential services such as life skills training, job readiness, and mental health support.
“In Alabama alone, over 300 young people age out of care annually, with about 19,000 doing so across the country. The urgency is real,” Hardesty noted. “This campaign will allow us to broaden our programs and ensure no young person faces adulthood alone.”
“Now is the moment for our community to make a meaningful investment in long-term change,” she emphasized. “Together, we can disrupt the cycle of child welfare involvement and illuminate a hopeful future for these youths. They deserve our commitment.”
For many involved, the program’s impact hits home.
“At 18, I felt completely abandoned by the world,” said Charles, a former foster youth who benefited from the program. “This initiative has connected me with people who support me, taught me to live independently, and helped uncover my purpose.”
Hardesty hopes stories like Charles’ will motivate others to contribute.
Community members, businesses, and churches are encouraged to support the campaign. Donations can be made at makeitmattercollective.com/donate. For more information, reaching out via email is welcome.
