"To change the fortunes" means to alter or improve someone's circumstances, especially relating to their financial situation or success. Full definition
At this point the story takes an interesting turn and the gentlemen sitting to my left each played a critical role in changing the fortunes of the environmental opposition. (dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com)
Regardless, it has not changed the fortunes of these languages because kids have refused to communicate. (nigeriapoliticsonline.com)
Someone out there has the ability change our fortunes if we keep searching and do it well. (justarsenal.com)