Ricky Ballesteros

At the age of 16, Ricky was placed into state’s custody due to his parents involvement with drugs. Although he spent three years in foster care, he was fortunate to have been placed in a loving home. With the help of supportive foster parents, and a great transition team, he was able to successfully navigate through Utah’s foster care system. After graduating from high school Ricky enlisted in the Utah Army National Guard, where he has served for the past 5 years. Shortly after completing his military training, he took two years off to volunteer as a service missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Since his release from care Ricky has strived to be an advocate for youth in foster care. As a part of his volunteer work Ricky serves as the chair of Utah’s Northern Youth Council and is a member of the State Youth Council, both are youth led councils focused on improving Utah’s foster care system. Currently Ricky is a student at Weber State University pursuing a degree in Social Work, while working as a Transition to Adult Living (TAL) specialist for the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). Ricky is now 24 and happily married.
Ricky is an advocate, a husband, a soldier, a runner, a student, a Mormon... and a foster youth.