FORT MYERS, Fla. - Turning 18 can be tough for any teenager, but imagine being on your own for the first time without a safety net. That's the challenge facing kids like Jason York, who have aged out of foster care.

The 23-year-old York is trying to break into the field of graphic design. He's landed a few jobs with his freelance business.

"Mostly training myself, still making a little bit of profit until I get to college," said York who is completing his GED.

"Kids that age out of foster care are already at a disadvantage," said Aimee McLaughlin with the Children's Network of Southwest Florida.

"They are without a safety net, without a lot of financial resources."

Studies show nearly half of all kids who have aged out of foster care don't keep in contact with their parents. The same number are also unemployed.

Here comes Florida Gulf Coast University. The school donated 50 computers to the Children's Network, which in turn gave them to kids like Jason, who are now on their own.

"Makes it easier for my art," said Jason, who also uses the computer to search for part time work and complete his studies.

The Children's Network continues to work with kids who have aged out of foster care. The kids can receive a living stipend as they seek higher education.