Pennsylvania

Phyllis Wood has spent 18 years in the Pennsylvania (PA) Foster care system. Phyllis experienced multiple foster placements during her time in care. At 18, Phyllis left foster care, ending up in a homeless shelter where she was introduced to the PA Youth Advisory Board (YAB). One of her favorite... Read more

Michael Teresa Mellifera is an undergraduate junior currently studying at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She is majoring in Philosophy and double minoring in Theology and Islamic World Studies. Ms. Mellifera’s studies so far have largely focused on the languages, literatures, philosophies, and intellectual histories of Christianity... Read more

7 years in Pennsylvania's Foster Care System Ramond Nelson was born in Pittsburgh, PA to a single mother of three. Unfortunately, at the tender age of five, Ramond’s parents’ split which caused a strain on his relationships with others. Ramond remembers the hardships he had to endure In his early... Read more

Council term: 2016-2018 NicoLee spent several years in kinship and foster care, including group homes until she aged out. She remembers having several case workers, child advocates and CASA volunteers during her foster care experience. NicoLee was impacted by the lack of control she was allowed to have over her... Read more

Dalashay Whitehead was in the foster care system for 13 years in Pennsylvania. Dalashay worked as a camp counselor for Pine Valley Bible Camp where Dalashay attended at the age of 8. Dalashay loves to dance and always has. She works at a dance studio and served as the Drill... Read more

Olivia Burris spent a year in the Pennsylvania foster care system. During Olivia’s time at Valley Youth House Warminster Youth Shelter, she achieved resident of the week, month awards, house representative, as well as organized groups and outings for the fellow youth. Olivia was also apart of The Synergy Project... Read more

Years in care: 8 Shurontaya Festa is twenty years old. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has been in foster care for about eight years now. Currently, she remains in the foster care system and she will be aging out once she's twenty-one. She was fortunate enough to stay... Read more

Heather was placed in the foster care system at age 13. Being fortunate enough to live with family members, Heather was moved from one placement with her paternal aunt to the home of her maternal grandparents. Heather is grateful that the foster care system has helped to better her life... Read more

A’Aquila is entering her sophomore year at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. A “daddy’s girl,” A’Aquila’s father passed away due to cancer when she was 11 years old. A’Aquila continues to be a big sister to “the best little brother in the world,” and credits her ability to overcome obstacles to... Read more

Chaka first joined the foster care system when he was 17 years old, after spending time in a number of group homes, detention centers, and an independent living home. During his time in foster care, Chaka was able to finish high school and plan for college. Chaka credits staff where... Read more