Fostering Futures provides scholarship grants and other support to former foster youth seeking further education.

As a former foster child, I am one of the lucky ones. After spending five years in and out of foster homes, I was adopted, a turning point in my life that opened doors of opportunity that are closed to most foster youth.

I carry the pain of abandonment that is shared by many foster youth. The difference for me is not what I went through, but what I did not go through. I never lived in fear of a schizophrenic mother who wielded a butcher knife as she chased me around the house; never suffered the pain of knowing my father was incarcerated before I was born; never needed years of counseling to overcome the scars caused by sexual or physical abuse of a stepfather or mere neglect of unknowing parents; never witnessed the devastation of life with a drug addicted parent. These are the extremes, of course. Some foster youth come from a home where parents died and there was no one within the extended family capable or willing to take them in. Whatever the circumstances, these bright young people deserve an opportunity to pursue their goals of higher education.

Because students are “out” of the foster care system upon reaching the age of 18, they face daunting challenges. Lacking familial ties, there is no safety net of a family home for most of these young people. Those who choose to continue their education often must also work 20, 30 or more hours a week to merely pay their living expenses.

These students have taught me what true perseverance means. Most of them have experienced more challenges in their first 18 years than many of us experience in a lifetime. They are my inspiration and their successes are my reward.

I’m sure you will agree education is critical to success. Won’t you join me in the pursuit of my passion, helping foster youth fulfill their dreams and attain their educational goals?