California

Victoria spent 6 years in California's foster care system. During her time in foster care, Victoria experienced many different placements including temporary and group homes. She struggled with the restrictions at different placements, but was determined to overcome. Victoria grew her support network by connecting with the staff, social workers... Read more

Stephany spent 5 years in California's foster care system. While in care, Stephany experienced several different placements and was separated and reunited with her siblings. Stephany is very proud of receiving “Best Defensive Player” two seasons in a row for basketball, as well as being accepted into an engineering academy... Read more

Michelle spent 22 years in California's foster care system. Michelle has spent 22 of her 23 years in foster care. She experienced multiple moves and hardships throughout her time in foster care, however, she graduated from high school with a 3.8 GPA. Michelle is proud that she is the first... Read more

Jaquel spent 14 years in California's foster care system Jaquel entered care at the innocent age of five due to his parent's incarceration. When he entered care, he was placed with a kind and loving family who instilled in him the importance of education and perseverance. Throughout his fourteen years... Read more

Domi Skinner- Johnson spent 9 years in foster care. At the age of nine, Dominique (Domi) was brought into the system because of domestic violence. Domi felt alone and angry. Letting anger consume her, Domi became a ‘trouble student’ and decided to shut everyone out. In the beginning of her... Read more

Cristal Ramirez, age 23 Spent 11 years in California’s Foster Care System Cristal entered the Kern County foster care system at the age of one; she spent a total of eleven years in care. She exited care at the age seventeen when she was able to leave Bakersfield to attend... Read more

Ricardo spent 3 years in California's foster care system. Ricardo Rodriguez was born several months premature and as a result, he experienced cognitive delays and was unable to walk or speak until he was eleven years old; he entered foster care shortly after birth. He has successfully completed high school... Read more

Aya spent 18 years in California's foster care system. Aya is a youth advocate for probation and foster youth. She is a second year student at Laney College in Oakland where she is majoring in Social Science, with the goal of transferring to University of California, Santa Cruz and obtaining... Read more

Payton spent 5 years in California's foster care system. Payton Hensley is currently a Senior at Choices Charter School. Upon completion of her high school education, she will begin college in the fall of 2016. After completing a Bachelor's degree, Payton intends to pursue law school with the long term... Read more