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

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

6 years in out of home care in California Elian Ortiz experienced kinship care with 3 different caregivers throughout 6 years of her youth. She went on to obtain a Bachelors degree in Social Work and minor in Child Development. Upon graduating, Elian was selected to be an All-Star Intern... 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

Caitie was in foster care until she was adopted by a wonderful family when she was around four years old. Caitie is extremely passionate about music and psychology and wants to have a career combining the two by becoming a music therapist. She is currently going to school getting a... Read more