Michigan

Jasmine Millwood “does not let her past define her, and works tirelessly every day to make a difference in the lives of the children that need it the most,” says her nominator. Her story involves 36 different foster care placements, overcoming an experience of sexual abuse, degrees of starvation, beatings,... Read more

Taren Fales, calling on her a natural competitive instinct, is determined not to be a foster care outcomes statistic. Sadly, those statistics show that by 20 a young lady like Taren might have a criminal record or be pregnant. In Ms. Fales case, she bucks the statistics. She is a college... Read more

Michele Zeman spent 4 years in Michigan's foster care system. Michele entered Michigan's foster care system at age 14. She was placed with her grandma along with her sister. Her sister and her are really close and she considers her her best friend. Michele's excellence in the classroom led to... Read more

Jewel Rich spent nearly 4 years in Michigan's Foster Care System. Jewel Rich describes herself as “an entrepreneur; singer, songwriter, spoken word artist, fashion designer, visionary, philosopher, life coach, and an advocate for all those with ‘no voice’.” She is also a youth in foster care who is using her... Read more

Cherish Thomas spent 14 years in Michigan's and Georgia's Foster Care System “Youth are people with purpose,” Cherish Thomas says. A big thinker with even bigger goals, Cherish is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. Upon graduation, she will step into the role... Read more

Tobias spent 11 years in Michigan's foster care system. Brief Biography: Tobias is currently a 3rd year at Western Michigan University, persuing a degree in Film & Media. Being abandoned a young age, Tobias was faced with homelessness and separation from his entire biological family. After spending a year homeless,... Read more

JJ Hitch spent 4 years in Michigan's foster care system. Brief Biography: JJ Hitch is a college student studying Communication and is hoping he can talk his way into a job after he graduates. He has been involved in a number of conferences and internships helping to raise awareness, empower... Read more

Marcus Brown spent 5 years in foster care. Brief Biography: During care Marcus was in 2 placements. He was fortunate to be adopted by a loving, supportive family that has now adopted 17 other siblings and raised an additional 6 biological children - one big happy family. Marcus feels grateful... Read more

Kamille entered care at the age of 14 and remains in foster care today. She is currently enrolled at the University of Michigan, and hopes to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. Kamille's long-term goal is to obtain a Masters degree in Social Work. Kamille works with the Blavin... Read more

Josephine and her siblings were placed in separate foster homes when entering care. Although she was never placed in a residential setting, her siblings were. Josephine was recommended for Independent Living the summer before her senior year of high school. She obtained an apartment, was employed and an active participant... Read more