2010 Outstanding Young Leaders

Council Term: 2015-2016 Dashun entered foster care at the age of 13 with his 3 younger siblings, but was later separated from siblings after living in an abusive home. Multiple placements, including the local shelter, his aunt’s home, psychiatric facility and a residential treatment home, caused Dashun to move through... Read more

Nicole Stapp spent 11 years in Oregon's Foster Care System Aware, responsive, and shining star are words that people who have had the opportunity to work with Nicole have used to describe her. Nicole was separated from her parents when she was seven years old. This adjustment was really hard... Read more

Agnes spent most of her teen years in foster care, going through five different places before emancipating. Prior to entering care she was homeless. She states, “At the age of six I was homeless. While most girls were playing Barbie or dress-up in their mother’s closet, I was playing in... Read more

Dominique was in 2 foster homes at age 16 and 17 before aging out of the system and living on her own. After she graduates from high school this spring, she plans to attend college for both ungraduate and graduate degrees in Communications. Says Dominique, “I plan to never stop... Read more

Christina became a ward of the court at age 6 when her mother passed away. She was sent to a foster home until legal guardianship was given to her grandfather and great-grandmother. Christina says, “I was lucky to have been placed within my family. They cared for me, and made... Read more

Thomas entered foster care at the age of 10 due to parental neglect. Since being placed in care he has moved multiple times, experiencing six placement changes. He is currently living in a foster home. Thomas has volunteered through Habitat for Humanity and the Special Olympics. He is currently serving... Read more

Evamae's stay in foster care began at birth. However, she was fortunate to stay with a single family during the majority of her time in care. After leaving a family member's home at the age of 16, Evamae moved into a group home. After living in one foster home and... Read more

Jahvern spent 8 years in the foster care system, and says he is the person he is today because of it. “I truly believe that part of my life was just a stepping stone and a learning experience. It’s helped get me where I am today and it will not... Read more

Jasmine Orozco spent 8 years in California's foster care system Jasmine comes from a family of 11, and was removed from her parents at the age of three. She believes that growing up in the foster care system is never easy; there are many different placements and case workers. Since... Read more

Zachary was placed into a residential treatment center at age 16, moved to an independent living home when he was 17, and emancipated and went to live on his own at 18. Zachary helped found the El Paso County Youth Advisory Board, and is currently the Coordinator. He has shared... Read more