Like many who have experienced the child welfare system, Ethan’s path was filled with uncertainty and obstacles.

His journey began in his high school years when he lived with his biological mother who battled illness and substance abuse.

“My mom was admitted into a sober living house,” Ethan said. “While she was getting help, I started staying with a friend.”

With money tight, Ethan worked hard to save for housing for him and his mother. During this time, he connected with an open gym basketball group, where he met the coach who later became his foster parent.

When Ethan’s mother completed treatment, she purchased a trailer, and Ethan moved back home. His foster family stepped in and provided essential supplies and support. But they were concerned.

“They didn’t think it was a healthy place for me to live,” Ethan said.

Tragedy struck during his sophomore year when his mother passed away, leaving him without a home. His basketball coach and their family welcomed him in as their own.

As Ethan neared high school graduation, an Oregon Department of Health worker referred him to Youth Villages’ transition-age services, where Ethan immediately felt a connection with his specialist, Emma.

From day one, Emma helped Ethan prepare for college and take control of his finances. From setting up a budget to managing grocery shopping and dorm essentials, she tackled the details that had left Ethan feeling lost.

“I walked into my empty dorm room and had no idea where to start, but she helped me figure it all out,” Ethan said.

Fast forward to today, Ethan has earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology. But his journey took an inspiring turn.

During a Youth Villages financial literacy class, he bumped into a former classmate who now works for the organization.

“I asked, ‘How’d you get a job here?’” Ethan said. “Then, I met with Emma, and she helped me apply for a position she thought I’d be great for.”

Today, Ethan is a transition-age youth specialist for Youth Villages’ Independent Living Program, guiding former foster youth who face the same challenges as he once did. He has come full circle by turning his experiences into hope and has words of encouragement for those feeling lost.

“This is for the young adults that may be on the edge about going into a program like this and those who have questions about it,” Ethan said. “At the end of the day, you can learn so much from so many people at Youth Villages, and that is an inspiration.”

“If you don’t have that support in your life like many youth experience, then you can lean on your transition-age specialist. Questions can lead you in so many different directions, like helping you build a career and discovering what you want to do with your life. It can help you.”

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