New York

Peterson Rodriguez spent 4 1/2 years in New York's Foster Care System Nineteen year old Peterson Rodriguez is a student at John Jay College pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He is also a member of his local youth board, Youth A.W.A.K.E., and a youth advocate for N.Y.F.C (New Yorkers... Read more

Michael Place spent 9 years in New York's Foster Care System Twenty year-old Michael Place aspires to revolutionize the foster care system, and he is well on his way. He spent nine years in care, starting at age nine, and stayed in eight different places before moving back with his... Read more

Naomi Porter spent foster care 10 years in New York's foster care system. Naomi Porter spent over 10 years in the New York State foster care system. Her experiences in 5 placements have motivated her to work as an asset to youth and families. Naomi is currently a junior at... Read more

Kita Anderson spent 4 years in foster care Brief Biography. Kita was separated from her 4 siblings when she entered the Colorado foster care system at age five due to abuse and neglect. She was adopted but reentered the system 8 years later because of a failed adoption. After aging... Read more

Vanessa is an alumni of the New York City foster care system. She is currently an Education Specialist at the New York State Technical and Education Assistance Center for Homeless Students (NYS-TEACHS), a project funded by the New York State Education Department and housed at Advocates for Children of New... Read more

Shante is a college graduate, having graduated from York College, City University of New York. She will be attending the Parsons New School for Design this fall in order to obtain a Master's Degree in graphic design and animation. She would like to have a career as a film or... Read more

Passion has been in foster care for six years, from the age of 14 until emancipating at 21. She says, “I sum up my foster care experience as bittersweet but most definitely necessary. I was exposed to more opportunities that I ever thought possible while living at home with my... Read more

Tasha Santos spent 7 years in New York’s foster care system. Tasha is a junior at the University of New Orleans where she majors in sociology. Born and raised in New York City, she entered the foster care system at the age of nine. After several different places she was... Read more

Isaiah Williams, Age 21 11 years in New York’s foster care system. Isaiah is an advocate, teacher, minister of music… and a foster kid. During Isaiah’s years in care, he experienced 11 different foster homes. He is currently a senior at Herkimer County Community College majoring in Human Services. Isaiah... Read more

In 8 years Melissa has been in twelve different placements, attended 10 different schools. She currently plans on staying in foster care until the age of 21 for the supports provided when going to college. Melissa has been a member of her local Youth Advisory Board for three years and... Read more