New York

Benjamin entered New York’s foster care system at birth. He’s experienced two kinship homes (placements with relatives) and one foster home in 9 years, before being adopted by his aunt and uncle. He has a connection with 2 biological siblings and 2 adoptive siblings. Benjamin looks forward to becoming a... Read more

Annonymous spent 7 years in New York's Foster Care System A full-time student, employee, and volunteer, this college senior is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Social work at the University of Albany. While attending college, she works at a community-based organization, Interface Partnership for the Homeless, serving the runaway and... Read more

Triana Santiago spent 7 years in New York's Foster Care System High school student Triana Santiago is proud to be a foster youth who is actively involved and making a difference in her community. As an active member of her local youth board, Youth In Progress, she leads forums at... Read more

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