California

Evangelina Bolden-Whiteside spent 2 years in the California foster care system. Evangelina had 1 placement, which is where she was adopted.Evangelina is in her 3rd year of higher education at California State University. Evangelina volunteers with many organizations such as Echoes of Hope, Foster Care Counts, Promoting Achievements Through Hope... Read more

Alyssa Aragon found permanency at age 10 during her time in California’s foster system. Alyssa attended Gilroy Early College Academy during high school and graduated high school with her associate’s degree, and then graduated California State University, in Sacramento with her bachelors in Business Administration. While in college, Alyssa joined... Read more

Miranda Martinez experienced over thirty foster homes, two group homes, and juvenile hall ranging from the central valley and as far north of California, all while placed in California’s foster system. Despite having a kidney disease, Miranda is active in her community. She currently sits on two different Juvenile Justice... Read more

Zuleika Dixon spent two years in the California foster care system. While in the foster care system, she worked with FosterClub as a youth ambassador in 2016 where she advocated for the issues youth face in the system. Zulekia enjoys reading, hiking and cooking. Zuleika received her associates degree in... Read more

Sabrina Abong spent 5 years in the California foster care system. During Sabrina’s senior year at Los Banos High School, she received the Golden Eagle Award that signified how she overcame the struggles of growing up in foster care. She has also received a Local Control Accountability Stakeholder certificate. Sabrina... Read more

Katarina Sayally is a mother, writer, and community organizer. In 2019, she graduated with a Masters in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley and had a baby the same week. As a single mother she relies heavily on love, community, and ancestral knowledge in her familial healing journey... Read more

7 years in out of home care in California Elian is 23 years old and from southern California. After her mother passed away in 2007, she was separated from her siblings and went to live with her aunt. Right before turning 17, she moved in with her brother. Shortly after... Read more

Marcus was raised in care for sixteen and a half years, and eventually went on to emancipate from the system at age 17. After graduating high school, he got my AA degree at College of San Mateo where he took several classes in psychology and social studies. Marcus knew from... Read more

Israel Moncada was placed in the California child welfare system when he was 1-month-old. He was in 11 placements before transitioning into Independent Living. Israel experienced living in foster homes and congregate care. After graduating and delivering a graduation speech, Israel attended a post-secondary education institution to pursue Sociology, with... Read more

Eunice Medina of California has been in the foster care system since birth. Eunice has lived in over 30 places in her life, including 27 placements before she turned 12. Eunice was recently adopted after living with her mom for six years. Eunice has an extensive list of volunteer activities... Read more