Michigan

Nijeria Peterson 4 years in Michigan’s Foster Care System 20 years old She/Her/Hers Nijeria experienced four years in foster care in the state of Michigan. She is a first-generation college student studying at Western Michigan University majoring in Business Law, working at Foster Club, and planning for law school. One... Read more

Alyssa Andrews 6 year in Michigan’s Foster Care System 18 years old She/her/hers Alyssa spent about 6 years in and out of foster care. During those 6 years, she had about 5 foster home placements and kinship care placements. The future of the foster care system motivates Alyssa’s advocacy. She... Read more

Willie Taylor, 19, spent one year in Michigan’s foster care system. Willie experienced multiple residential group homes until one day he was adopted. Willie earned an award for advocating and sharing his lived experience in foster care to other foster youth. During winter he volunteers to shovel snow for elders... Read more

Emily Miller, 20, spent six months in Michigan’s foster care system. In her six months in care, Emily experienced therapeutic foster care and two foster homes, ending with reunification. Emily has received an award for taking part in creating mosaics for the local DHS office to provide a welcoming atmosphere... Read more

Kossiwa Kpandja, 24, spent time in Michigan’s foster care system. During her time in care, Kossiwa experienced two different foster homes and one group home. Kossiwa served as vice president of a Youth Advisory Board, in which she was to put discussion topics together and lead group asset trainings. The... Read more

Tiffany Davidson, 20, spent five years in Michigan’s foster care system. Tiffany entered care at 14 and spent the first few years switching between homes. She experienced kinship care and two foster homes. In her senior year of high school, Tiffany received multiple awards. She received the “Homework First” award... Read more

Catherine entered the Michigan Child Welfare system at age 16. After her mom became too ill to care for her, she was placed in care until they could locate her Dad. She described this as a “difficult path of rediscovering who I am, who I am not, and who eventually... Read more

Brina spent 1 1/2 years in the Michigan Child Welfare system. Brina experienced 3 placements before reunifying with her family. Although her life had been disrupted she has gone on to be a volunteer at Volunteers of America, the Hot Cider Hustle, and a winter 5k, along with various National... Read more

Rachel spent 1 1/2 years in the Michigan Child Welfare system. Her experience in care has inspired her to pursue a career in child welfare. Rachel is the sitting president of the Youth Advisory Board for Our House–a nonprofit dedicated to helping young people transition from foster care to adulthood... Read more

Michael entered care in Michigan at age 11, after a failed adoption. He is still in care, and has experienced both family placements and congregate care. Michael has risen above these obstacles and has joined the high school track and field team, participates in volunteer projects through the Michigan Youth... Read more