For LifeSet young adult Lauryn, family is more than just biological ties; it’s the people she’s met in her journey. The definition of family can be complicated and has changed over the years. Lauryn, though, has found her own definition and community along the way.

Lauryn is the oldest of three daughters born into a dysfunctional home. From a young age, she watched her mom struggle with addiction and mental health problems. She had almost no relationship with her dad, but when he was home, he abused Lauryn.

At 8 years old, Lauryn and her two sisters entered the foster care system. In total, the siblings experienced an estimated 10 foster homes — some together, some separated. A year into the state taking custody, their dad gave up his parental rights. After seven years of foster care, their mom’s parental rights were also taken away.

For Lauryn, foster care was a formative experience.

“Foster care affected forming relationships and learning when to let go,” Lauryn said. “I’m scared of losing anyone — good or bad.”

Throughout her time in foster care, Lauryn’s grandmother acted as her support system. She made sure she saw all three girls on the weekends and supported them when she could. Yet, Lauryn was still yearning for a parental figure she could rely on.

At 14 years old, Lauryn was placed with Mrs. Angela, who was kind and responsible and looked after Lauryn in a way no one had before. After several moves, Lauryn eventually returned to Mrs. Angela. When Lauryn was 19, both women appeared before a judge and advocated to extend her time in state custody and begin the process of adoption. The request was granted, and two years later, Lauryn was adopted.

Eight months after the adoption, Mrs. Angela unexpectedly passed away. This left Lauryn without her main support and suddenly became responsible for finding housing, work and stability on her own.

LifeSet Specialist Scherri Epps worked with Lauryn for several years in multiple capacities. Scherri originally referred her to LifeSet in 2021. After the passing of Mrs. Angela, Scherri recognized Lauryn’s changing circumstances and reenrolled her in the program in 2023.

Housing was their first priority as Lauryn moved into her own apartment.

“Now, I enjoy living by myself, but it was scary at first.” Lauryn said.

They also worked on Lauryn’s budgeting skills. Living by herself, she now had to save money for rent, groceries and necessities.

Then, they tackled school. Attending college was always a goal of Lauryn’s, but when Mrs. Angela passed, life got overwhelming. She dropped out of school during her first semester. Lauryn, however, persevered and started at Hinds Community College in the fall of 2023. With Scherri’s help, they applied for scholarships and grant money.

“I am forever grateful to have had such a dedicated person in my corner throughout my ups and downs. Ms. Scherri has never given up on me and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself,” Lauryn said. “Her support has played a huge role in my dedication to completing my education.”

Lauryn also became a Youth Villages Scholar, which helps young adults in LifeSet find resources to continue their education and provides a mentor to help them stay on track.

With the support, Lauryn graduated from HCC with an Associate of Arts degree in general studies. She just started her first semester at Jackson State University, studying sociology. Not only has Lauryn succeeded in school, but she also has a community of people she calls family. Lauryn remains close to her two younger sisters and visits them regularly. Lauryn is also the godmother to the two children of her best friend, whom she met in foster care.

“I love connecting with people and learning how our pasts shape us as people,” Lauryn said. “My goal is to create my own family, without the mistakes I experienced as a child.”

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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