Ted entered foster care when he was 14. When he enrolled in Keys to Success, he was excited to get his first job. That excitement quickly fizzled because at 18 years old, he didn’t have a state ID, his birth certificate nor his social security card, much less a bank account. He soon lost his motivation to get a job, which also caused him to lose trust in many of the adults who were in his life at that time.
Setting Out
After being in the program for a while, Ted decided to move out of state to reconnect with family. Once there, he found himself sleeping on the floor in an environment that was not healthy for him. With nowhere else to turn, he called KTS team saying he wanted to come “home” to Arizona and asked for help.
Knowing that Ted had no money or a place to stay, Ted’s family put him back on a plane. Once he landed, the KTS resource specialist jumped into action, helping him get temporary emergency housing.
Coming Home
It took time, but with the help of his KTS team, Ted got his birth certificate, social security card and state ID. Funding from AFFCF allowed him to pay his security deposit, set up utilities and fully furnish his new apartment.
Not having access to basic needs such as housing and not having stability makes it hard for young people aging out of foster care to focus on their futures. Having a supportive team in his corner, Ted was able to create the stability required to allow him to begin working on his career and life goals.
Today, Ted has his own apartment and a job, and has enrolled in school to earn his high school diploma. He’s on his way to create a better life for himself outside of foster care and his KTS team will be here to support him every step of the way.
Keeping on the Path
For so many young adults in foster care, the road to success is not a straight path. AFFCF’s Keys to Success program works with youth where they are and gives them the tools and support they need to manage the U-turns and curves that hit their paths.
You can help keep young people aging out of care on their path to success by donating to AFFCF. Not only does your gift strengthen our communities, but it also gives you a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes through the Foster Care Tax Credit. Be sure to consult your tax professional for more information.