New York

10 years in New York’s foster care system. 20 years old She/Her/Hers Marie entered care the year of 2009, she lived in four different foster homes. Due to the law change allowing foster youth to opt-in care till the age of 21, Marie will be in foster care till the... Read more

9+ years in New York's child welfare system 19 years old They/Them/Theirs Rori Matthews is a bigender foster youth who entered foster care at 10 years old. They were placed in a relative-foster home with their paternal grandparents and are expected to remain in care until they are 21 years... Read more

7 years in New York’s Foster Care System Joseph DeBiew grew up in Buffalo, New York. In 2005, he lost his mother and was put in the care of his grandparents. After struggling with addiction, Joe was put into a residential treatment facility and then bounced in between group homes... Read more

Rachel Muir entered care in New York’s child welfare system at 13 years of age. Through her time in the system, she underwent various challenging changes and experiences. Rachel currently attends Northwestern University where she studies Social Policy and Statistics. With her intense passion and dedication to helping underprivileged and... Read more

7 years in New York Foster Care System Bianca Bennett is the definition of a true independent woman. Reigning from the city that never sleeps, Bronx NY, she has not only endured many trials and tribulations but has conquered them with grace and poise. Due to her families substance abuse,... Read more

Years in care: 15 Kaseem is a senior in college at Alfred State College where he is studying Business Administration. Currently, he is living in the state of New York where Kaseem plans on finishing his college career. Kaseem is very outgoing and loves to play sports including basketball, baseball,... Read more

Years in care: 12 Pearlie Massey is a young girl from Rochester, NY. She is currently a student at Buffalo State College, pursuing a major in social work. Social work has always been a passion of hers, yet she was encouraged to pursue a degree that pays more. As a... Read more

A ge 22, 10 years in New York’s foster care system. Darrlyn entered foster care at age 4 before moving back in with her Mom at age 11. After 6 years living with her Mon, she returned to care at age 16. Darrlyn aged out of care while attending college... Read more

While in the foster care system, Triana lived in 5 different placements. She is in the process of being adopted by her current foster family, with whom she has been living with for 6 years. Triana will be entering her second year at Houghton College this fall, where she is... Read more

Patricia was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, but moved to New York at a young age. She was fortunate to be placed in the same home as her sibling. Her placement became permanent when their foster parents adopted Patricia and her brother. In the few years that followed, she gained four... Read more