Transition and uncertainty define the lives of many youth in foster care, especially those who enter the system at a young age and eventually “age out” as young adults. This makes for a difficult start to adulthood. It leads to distrust of others, even when you may need their help. It negatively impacts motivation since it can be difficult to think of a future when you are not sure where you will sleep the next night. And there is little to no safety net, so what might be a minor setback to most young adults can quickly spiral into a crisis. That is why Fostering Hope is committed to staying with young adults as long as they need us. This can sometimes be 10 or more years and that is the average we are experiencing.
One such young person is Grace, who grew up in a Fostering Hope-supported foster home. Now twenty-one, she aged out of the system and shuffled among temporary living arrangements. Recently, she was able to live in a 2-bedroom home offered by Fostering Hope to give emancipated young adults like her a safe and stable place to live. Creston’s Home, which Fostering Hope leases from a former foster parent who shares our heart and mission for teens and young adults, is the home base from which Grace is establishing independence.
Grace received some initial housing assistance and is now starting employment soon, where she will be able to pay her own rent. She is learning how to live with a roommate, which is a valuable skill that most young people will need until they can afford or choose to live alone or in a relationship. She joined a women’s soccer team, where she found community and new relationships.
Just as importantly, Grace has become an active participant in the Fostering Adulthood community, socializing with peers and volunteers. She has developed a special bond with one volunteer, who has helped her find confidence and see her self-worth.
Stability is key in any child’s life and is the foundation for transitioning into adulthood. Although many of our young adults do not have much stability growing up, it is exciting to witness them discovering and building stability and the feeling of empowerment obtained from it.
Life has not been kind to Zach, a young man who has endured unimaginable trauma and heartbreak throughout his time in foster care. Just when he thought he had found solace in his biological brother, tragedy struck. His brother was taken away from him in a senseless act of violence, leaving Zach devastated and alone.
But amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. Zach found support and love through Fostering Hope’s Fostering Adulthood group, a lifeline that has been by his side for nearly a decade. When the memorial service for his brother took place on that fateful day, an entire row was filled with his Fostering Hope family. They stood as a pillar of strength, offering comfort and solace during his darkest hour.