Over 70 young adults with experience in the foster care system in Middle Tennessee gathered to celebrate graduations ranging from HiSET (high school equivalency) to master’s degrees.

“It’s a big accomplishment towards my goals,” shared Jaleel, who spent the last eight years in foster care and graduated this spring from John Overton High School. “Because my mom was always gone, my social worker treated me like her own and inspired me to do the same, so I’m going to college to be a social worker.”

Without support, young people who age out of the foster care system are more likely to be homeless, less likely to complete their education, and less likely to earn a living wage. But with comprehensive services like those provided by the LifeSet program at Youth Villages, those outcomes drastically improve.

Donald Reed, chef and food service director of TRIO Community Meals and Zoe Sneed, barber and entrepreneur, both aged out of foster care at 18 and encouraged the group as the ceremony’s featured speakers.

“Y’all got this far, and it’s the first step. Things won’t get easier, but it will get less hard,” shared Reed. “Accept help from genuine people. Every time I got knocked down, I had someone in my corner help me get back on the right path, and I don’t know where I’d be without them.”

As the graduates crossed the stage, the announcer shared each individual’s goals for their future. Many plan to pursue careers in education, criminal justice, and the trades; some are less specific in their career plans but know they want to have a family and build generational wealth.

All the graduates got a kickstart on independent living by having a professional headshot taken and receiving their own laptop as well as a laundry basket full of essential household items such as toiletries, kitchenware, and cleaning supplies. A vendor fair also ensured the young adults connected with more resources to help them succeed as they transitioned to their next phase of life, hosting organizations focused on affordable housing, continued education options, job placement services, and more.

Five lucky individuals even drove home in a new car from Church of the City’s CARS ministry.

“I worked hard to get here, and it feels good to be celebrated and know I did something right.” said Autumn, who graduated from Hunters Lane High School and will start classes in the fall at Nashville State Community College to study art.

The event was held at Church of the City in Franklin, Tenn., hosted by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, Youth Villages, and Bridge Family Ministries with financial support from Advance Financial and the Speyer Family Foundation.

To invest in young adults’ futures who are in the LifeSet program, give here.

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