Even though Annie has been in foster care since she was seven, things have been going pretty well in her life. This amazing 17-year-old has a great placement in Central Arizona and is an active participant in school. Not only does she play for her school’s volleyball team, but she also is a cheerleader and volunteers her time at school.
Looking Ahead
Despite being involved in cheer and volleyball, Annie was on the verge of not being able to graduate high school in a timely manner. When she enrolled in AFFCF’s Keys to Success (KTS) program last October, she needed help finding a credit recovery program and deciding what kind of future she wanted for herself.
Annie’s KTS career development specialist (CDS) jumped into action to work with Annie and her care team. First, they set a goal to finish the school year with excellent grades, as well as to pick up a few credit recovery classes in the next school year.
All the Possibilities
With her immediate education goal set in place, Annie and her CDS began the task of career exploration. She decided to further explore a career in the culinary arts. Her CDS informed her of the great program at Yavapai College and together, they took closer look at the classes required and the different types of culinary arts that interest her.
Annie also wanted to get an entry level job to start earning income, but it needed to be flexible to accommodate her busy school schedule. Her KTS employment development specialist (EDS) met with her to assess her immediate needs. To get hired anywhere, Annie needed a state ID and her physical Social Security card. Her EDS immediately worked with her DCS caseworker to get these necessary documents and even took her to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department to get her state ID.
Getting the Job
With her vital documents secured, Annie was ready to start applying for different positions. Her EDS helped her complete an employment application to Fry’s, which is only a 10-minute drive from her placement. She applied for a courtesy clerk position to work weekends and one evening during the week to allow her to continue being an excellent student and athlete. In a matter of days, Annie received a call to interview and her EDS quickly began preparing her for the interview. Through AFFCF, the EDS applied for funding to purchase interview clothing for Annie, so she could make the best impression possible in her interview. It worked because Annie was offered a job on the spot!
Annie has such a positive outlook on life and is a hard worker. She continues to excel earning As and Bs in all her classes while managing her extracurricular activities and a job. Through the Keys to Success program, she has a supportive team to assist and walk alongside her as she begins to build a successful life outside of foster care.
Showing the Way
Each young person enrolling in Keys to Success has a different story. Upon entering the program, their needs vary. One youth may need more intensive services while another youth, like Annie, has a good idea for their future, but just needs a little extra help to get there. No matter the story, no matter the need, AFFCF’s Keys to Success program is here to change the story for young men and women aging out of foster care, helping them to write the next chapter in their lives on their terms.
Your support makes the next chapter possible for young people in our program. You give them the ability to plan and shape their future, to put them on the path for a successful life, simply by donating to AFFCF. Not only does your gift help write a new chapter for a young person, but it also earns you a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes through the Foster Care Tax Credit (up to $1,051). Donate today and claim the credit on your 2023 taxes (through April 15).