Unlike their peers, many young people who have foster care often lack basic financial literacy skills. While some of these skills are taught in school or other programs, many former foster youth missed out on learning skills such as budgeting, opening bank accounts or filing taxes.
On May 1, the Youth Villages community gathered in Boston for Red Kite Nite, the annual gala supporting the LifeSet program. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, this year’s event raised more than $850,000, helping bring LifeSet to every young adult who needs it.
Aidan is a student at North Carolina State University with a clear vision for his future. He’s balancing school, work and preparing for life after graduation. On the surface, it’s a typical college experience. But Aidan’s path to this point has been anything but typical.
A Tennessee bill with bipartisan support could give more young adults who have aged out of the foster care system the safety net they need, longer. The bill, which comes from Gov. Bill Lee’s administration, would increase the qualifying age to receive benefits under the Extension of Foster Care program from 18 to 21 years old, to 18 to 23 years old.
Aaraya is a proud social worker and graduate of Western Carolina University. However, as a youth who experienced foster care, Aaraya’s journey was anything but easy. She endured hardships and struggles faced by many young people navigating the child welfare system.
Speaking to a group of young adults in Youth Villages Georgia’s LifeSet program, Atlanta-area Realtor Meka Wilson tossed out little bags of M&Ms to each youth that participated in the discussion.
At 18 years old, Jaylen has already faced a steep climb in life compared to her peers. Without support, many young people find the path to adulthood incredibly difficult. But rather than letting obstacles overload her, Jaylen is using her experiences to build a better future and inspire others.
After his mom died when he was 14 years old, Isaiah and his brother entered the care of their grandmother. Sadly, their grandmother died soon after, leading them to be placed in the foster care system.
Five young adults who aged out of foster care at 18 years old vulnerably shared their experience transitioning to adulthood after spending most of their childhood in state custody.
For Makia, the path from foster care to adulthood was filled with roadblocks. At 12 years old, Makia entered the child welfare system and moved between different foster homes, never quite finding stability and guidance.