Michigan

Michelle spent 3 years in Michigan's foster care system. At nine years old, Michelle Walls and her three siblings were placed in the foster care system. At first, Michelle and her siblings were placed in kinship care with an aunt. After the court determined the siblings could not be split... Read more

Sebastian Skinner spent 3 years in Michigan's foster care system. Due to his family's struggles with drugs and alcohol and exposure to trauma, Sebastian Skinner was placed in foster care at the age of 15. Although separated from his family, Sebastian’s foster care experience was very positive and beneficial, providing... Read more

Katlyn Taylor spent 2.5 years in Michigan's foster care system. Katlyn entered care at 12 years old and was adopted by her aunt at the age of 15. She did not let her upsetting experiences or her parent's actions define her. In high school, she participated in Cheer year round... Read more

Jameshia Shepherd 5 years in Michigan's foster care system The difficulties Jameshia has overcome created the passion and motivation for her to serve and protect others, especially children. She understand what it is like to feel helpless, and to feel like you don't have a voice to speak for yourself... Read more

Angelica spent 2 years in Michigan's foster care system and was placed into kinship care, when she was eleven years old. To help escape the trauma in her life, Angelica focused heavily on her academics and became involved in several extra curricular activities at school. In 2013, she graduated from... Read more

Stephanie Otis spent 4 years in Michigan's foster care system. While it would be easy to grow bitter after a lifetime of disappointments and rejections, Stephanie remains remarkable for her ability to turn hardship into compassion for others. After many years in the foster care system, several unsuccessful placements, and... Read more

Marie Fleming spent 7 years in Michigan's foster care system. After entering into the foster care system at age 15, Marie was placed into a facility for six months until she was finally released into the custody of her grandmother. During her transition from foster care, Marie continued to struggle... Read more

Alex Villarreal spent 6 years in Michigan's foster care system A true leader is often someone who does an incredible amount of work with little to no recognition. Although Alex has had to face the challenges of a learning disability as well as a host of circumstances imposed on him... Read more

Melinda Smith spent 1 year in Michigan's foster care system. Even with having to face the trails of foster care and her illness with lupus, Melinda remains a beacon of positive energy for everyone around her. While Melinda has been quoted as saying, “I can either sit around and be... Read more