This Is Us
On Solid Ground was created out of lived experience and the realities we could no longer ignore.
Our founding board is made up of individuals who have fostered teens, worked with at-risk youth, and personally witnessed the deep gaps that exist when young people transition into adulthood without support. Whether growing up in foster care or in unstable, unpredictable homes, these young people often carry the weight of trauma—and the desire to escape it—as soon as they legally can.
But leaving doesn’t mean they’re ready.
Too many step into adulthood without the tools they need to succeed. They haven’t been taught how to manage money, hold down a steady job, cook for themselves, or advocate for their well-being. Without a stable place to land or a support system to call on, the risks multiply: homelessness, unsafe relationships, addiction, and incarceration are far too common outcomes.
We believe these young adults deserve more than survival—they deserve opportunity, guidance, and a chance to build a life on their own terms. That’s why we’re building a home that offers safety, structure, and support—a place to land, and a place to launch from.
Our Team
Leon Moore
Founder/Executive DirectorLeon brings lived experience as a former foster youth who aged out of the system, an experience that continues to drive his life’s work. He has dedicated his career to supporting children and teens facing trauma, addiction, and instability. From working in group homes and schools to opening his own home as a foster parent, Leon has seen firsthand that turning 18 doesn’t mean a young person is ready for adulthood.
As a father of four and a natural mentor, Leon has provided guidance and counseling to youth throughout his career. Whether leading in residential programs, supporting students in school settings, or offering one-on-one mentoring, he’s earned the trust of young people who often feel overlooked.
Leon’s involvement in youth conferences and conversations with adolescent service providers made one thing clear: our community urgently needs a safe and supportive bridge for youth aging out of care. With that encouragement and a heart grounded in lived experience, Leon stepped forward to turn his vision into action.
Lisa Moore
Program DirectorWorking alongside her husband to bring his vision to life, she brings not only over 20 years of military service and experience in hospitality and customer service, but also a deeply personal understanding of what these youth are up against. As a mother to teens and a foster parent herself, she has seen firsthand that turning 18 does not mean a young person is ready to face adulthood alone. Too many age out of the system without the skills, support, or stability they need, and she’s determined to change that.
Her military background in planning, organizing, and supervising personnel across Training Centers, Human Resources, and Dining Facilities has uniquely equipped her to help set up the business side of the organization, organize funding for construction and operations, and help implement effective, youth-centered programs. Once the home is open, her focus will shift to hiring and training a strong, compassionate team to manage daily operations. In her role as manager, she will continue to guide program development, foster community involvement, and ensure the structure and consistency young adults need to thrive.
Edward Bernard
Board ChairmanEd and his wife began fostering in the early 2000s. As a father of four children, 2 of them adopted through the New Hampshire foster care system, he has seen children grow up with all the benefits of solid parenting experience, and those who have experienced trauma or deficit in physical, mental, educational, and emotional aspects of their lives.
With this understanding, it is crucial that children be given the opportunity to gain a solid foothold in adapting to today’s society.
He has served and continues to serve on multiple non-profit boards, lending advice and guidance to his local communities
He has over 20 years of experience working in a professional capacity with a non-profit healthcare system, which has prepared him to guide the board in setting strategic and mission alignment as well as helping to facilitate effective board meetings, agendas, and decision-making processes.
Marie Stewart
Board SecretaryMarie has dedicated her career to walking alongside families in need, offering guidance, compassion, and practical support. As a former Family Advocate, she worked directly with low-income families through case management, home visits, and resource connections, always focusing on building trust and helping parents set goals that moved them toward stability and success. She also forged strong community partnerships to expand access to vital services and encouraged parents to stay engaged in their children’s education. Today, Marie continues her mission of service as part of a 988 – hotline team, where she provides immediate support and resources to individuals in crisis. Her lived compassion and professional experience bring a deeply heartfelt perspective to the board of On Solid Ground, where she is committed to helping young adults find stability, opportunity, and hope.