Edana has learned that growth doesn’t require perfect conditions; only resilience, support and the courage to keep going.

Growing up, Edana’s childhood was marked by instability. When she was seven, her older brother was removed from their home. By the time she was 12, Edana experienced homelessness and was in the process of being removed from her mother’s care. She and her younger sister were separated and placed in different group homes,, where constant conflict made it hard to feel safe or settled.

During this time, Edana felt overlooked. Staying connected to her sister became more difficult, and over the years, multiple foster placements left her feeling as though few people truly believed in her.

When Edana joined LifeSet, she was feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about her future.

“I was pretty miserable,” she admitted. “I always needed reassurance and didn’t trust my own judgment.”

With the support of her LifeSet specialist, Edana began building the skills she needed for independence. They worked on budgeting and financial literacy, which were areas that would have been overwhelming without guidance. Her specialist guided her in purchasing a car and transitioning from a pre-independent living home into her own apartment.

Through LifeSet, she also found her love for advocacy work and using her voice to help young adults like her who experienced foster care. She joined Youth Villages on several legislative advocacy days, speaking with lawmakers on the importance of funding programs within Youth Villages. She also recently spoke at Jam for Janie, an annual charity event hosted by Steven Tyler to support Janie’s Fund, aiding young women who have experienced abuse and neglect.

“Years ago, I never thought myself capable of sharing my story and advocating to legislators,” she said. “I would have been so unsure of myself. But I have found my voice, and I want to use it to help others who were in similar situations like mine growing up.

Today, Edana is calmer, more confident and better prepared for life. She describes herself as less socially anxious and more assured in her decisions.

Edana loves plants and often uses them as a metaphor for her own journey.

“Plants can grow in almost any environment if they’re given the chance,” she said. “If they can adapt and grow, then I can too.”

She hopes to start a career in agriculture so she can be close to plants and nature every day.

Now living independently and maintaining a strong relationship with her sister, Edana wants other young girls facing instability to know something important: it is possible to turn things around.

“When life was crazy and hectic, few people had faith in me, and I didn’t even know I had faith in myself,” she said. “With the help of LifeSet, I gained new confidence in myself. I want young girls to know you can change and believe in yourself. You are worth it.”

Edana has proven that with the right support, growth is always possible in any season.

About Youth Villages – New England

In collaboration with state child welfare agencies and juvenile justice systems, our services in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Rhode Island focus on strengthening families to prevent or limit the need for foster care (Intercept) and supporting youth who age out of foster care or lack a stable caregiver as they enter adulthood (LifeSet).

Donate now to help us expand our reach and build a stronger community.

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