California

Christina is an alum of California State University San Bernardino where ze received zir degree in Arabic Language, Literature, and Culture with a minor in Political Science. Christina will be attending the University of Michigan in the Fall of 2020 to pursue a Master's of Social Work with a focus... Read more

Jose Canizal 16 years in California’s Foster Care System 24 years old He/him/his Jose Angel Canizal was raised by the foster care system. In the year of 2000 at 5 he was living in a green van and in poverty, but yet he was content. That same year he became... Read more

Danielle Berry, 22, California’s Foster Care System Danielle has always been self- determined and thoughtful of others. Growing up, she was determined to teach herself how to read and write through video games, allowing her to escape her daily life and sparking her motivation and hunger to learn. After she... Read more

April Barcus, 23, California’s Foster Care System April was in foster care for six years. She experienced 31 different housing placements and attended 22 different high schools. Despite this, she finished high school and attended Antelope Valley College. In college, April helped to start the Guardian Scholars program and ran... Read more

Joey Yee, 19, spent 3 months in California’s Child Welfare system. Joey entered care at 15 years old because of his parents’ inability to provide proper care at that time. Being placed in care for a total of three months and then reunited with his biological family. During his time... Read more

Brittney Wortham, age 22, spent 18 years in California’s kin-gap foster care system. Brittney is pursuing post-secondary education and is a sister of Delta Sigma Chi at her College. She enjoys giving back to her community, such as participating in food drives and fundraisers. Brittney is also a member of... Read more

Aliah Hill, age 21, spent 5 years in California’s Child Welfare system. Aliah entered foster care at the age of 13 years old. During her time in care, she was fortunate to find stability within her foster home. Where her caregivers taught her how to become independent and enhance her... Read more

Jacqueline Adams, age 22, California’s Child Welfare system. Jacqueline entered care at 6 years old. She was in and out of care, moving back and forth between foster care and her biological family till the age of 15, she legally became a ward of the court. Jacqueline has experienced foster... Read more

Tiffany Minton, age 19, California’s Child Welfare system. Tiffany was placed into foster care immediately after being born due to having drugs within her system. Thereafter Tiffany has experienced many types of placements, foster homes, kinship/relative care, MTFC a reunification program, homelessness, and a transitional living program. Throughout Tiffany’s life,... Read more

Graciela Alejandra Chavoya Charles, age 21, from California Graciela experienced kinship/relative care since she was a little girl. Legally she never technically entered California’s Child Welfare system. Graciela experienced homelessness, family separation, and many other challenges. At the age of 16 years old she was able to create stability for... Read more