In the United States, 2.5 million children are currently in kinship care, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. This represents 3% of all children. In kinship care, relatives such as grandparents, siblings or extended family, raise children when their parents are unable to care for them. LifeSet participant Kalina and her younger sister ultimately became part of that population.

When Kalina was 17 years old, an altercation with her mother’s boyfriend brought police to their home. Due to the emotional abuse and unsafe home environment, Kalina and her sister were taken from their home. They were placed in kinship care with their older sister.

Kalina was thankful to stay with family during this time. However, she did not expect the monthly court appearances and emotional weight the experience would have on her and her younger sister.

“It was overwhelming and exhausting, but we were grateful to have each other during that difficult time,” Kalina said. “It was a challenging period that tested our patience and resilience.”

As Kalina’s 18th birthday approached, she faced another obstacle — finding support once she aged out of foster care.

Those who have experienced foster care may struggle to overcome childhood adversity in the critical transition to adulthood, especially without support. Kalina was making this transition while juggling her college aspirations, extracurricular activities and the stress of knowing she would be released from care.

Knowing that Kalina would benefit from support, a case worker referred her to Youth Villages’ LifeSet program. LifeSet is an intensive, community-based program that acts as a bridge from foster care to successful adulthood for young people who experienced foster care.

LifeSet Specialist, Scherri Epps, saw Kalina’s progress toward achieving her goals.

LifeSet puts young people in the driver’s seat of their lives, and Kalina did just that. She is now a member of LifeSet Scholars, an extension of LifeSet that helps young people complete academic degrees or vocational programs. LifeSet Scholars also provides participants with a mentor.

Kalina is a sophomore history major with a minor in data science at Tougaloo College, an HBCU with a long history of service. She is a member of the concert choir and chorale group and was crowned Miss Freshman. She is currently applying for Miss Junior. Kalina also participates in the College NAACP chapter and Tougaloo Womanhood.

“The different opportunities presented to me, my peers or my community showed me the importance of perseverance, determination and appreciation,” Kalina said. “Being a LifeSet Scholar has provided me with the support and resources needed to continue my education and pursue my goals. It’s been a stepping stone toward a brighter future filled with possibilities.”

Kalina recently joined three other young women in LifeSet Scholars at Steven Tyler’s sixth annual GRAMMY Awards® viewing party, “Jam for Janie,” in Los Angeles. At the event, Kalina shared part of her story to help and inspire other young women who experienced similar obstacles.

Throughout the ups and downs in Kalina’s journey, she continues to work toward her goals and keeps a piece of scripture at the forefront of her life.

“My favorite Bible verse truly helps me in my journey,” Kalina said. “It reads, ‘Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.’ That is what I use to guide me as I continue to grow, learn and persevere.”

About Youth Villages – Mississippi
In collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Child Services, our services in Mississippi services focus on strengthening families to prevent or reduce the need for out-of-home placements (Intercept, MYPAC, and Wraparound) and supporting youth who age out of foster care or lack a stable caregiver as they transition to adulthood (LifeSet).

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