Angel’s life has been a challenging journey, marked by many transitions and significant hurdles. From a young age, he found himself in and out of foster care, facing obstacles that could easily have derailed his future. However, Angel’s story is one of resilience, growth and the transformative power of support.
Early Struggles
Angel entered foster care at the young age of five. His early years were full of instability and frequent moves, with each transition adding to his challenges. By the time he reached his first group home at the age of 17, Angel was struggling with school and lacked motivation to keep moving forward.
The Turning Point: Keys to Success
Eight months ago, Angel joined Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation’s Keys to Success (KTS) program, a pivotal moment in his life. Initially, he was distrustful and hesitant to engage. His KTS team, comprised of a Career Development Specialist (CDS) and an Employment Development Specialist (EDS), took a patient and personalized approach. They invested time in understanding Angel’s needs and building a rapport with him.
With coordinated efforts from his CDS, school counselor, and other supportive adults, Angel received tutoring and began to see improvements in his academic performance. His grades improved, and with each passed test, his confidence grew.
Approaching Adulthood
As Angel neared his 18th birthday, he contemplated dropping out of school to get a job. However, his CDS helped him explore all his options, leading Angel to decide to complete high school. This decision led to his graduation and an emotional moment at the AFFCF graduation event in June, where he felt a newfound sense of safety and support from those celebrating his achievement.
Transitioning to Independence
After graduating, Angel focused on getting his first job and transitioning to independent living. He successfully moved out of the group home into his own apartment, facilitated by transitional living support from the Department of Child Safety (DCS). He also began working at a local establishment, doing janitorial work and helping set up booths, a job he loves and excels at.
Because transportation is a major barrier for youth in foster care, AFFCF helped Angel get a bike of his own. His excitement over receiving a bike for transportation was like watching a child on Christmas morning. For Angel, his bike is a symbol of his growing independence. He takes great pride as he rides it to work every day.
Ongoing Growth and Support
Angel’s journey is marked by continuous growth and the unwavering support of his KTS team. He maintains strong ties with his former group home, visiting weekly to connect with staff and peers, recognizing the influence of his accomplishments on others. With each milestone he reaches, his confidence continues to soar. Currently he is focused on maintaining stability, but he remains open to future possibilities. With his first job going well, he plans to explore trade schools or other career pathways once he feels settled.
Angel’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of supportive relationships, and the impact of personalized care. His journey to becoming a confident, independent young adult is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with the right support and determination.
Foundation for the Future
The overarching goal of AFFCF’s Keys to Success program is help young people aging out of foster care make informed choices about their future and develop skills for a successful career and life. Angel is just one of many youth who have benefitted from the KTS program. By making a foster care tax credit donation to AFFCF, you can support more youth aging out of foster care. Plus, you’ll get a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes, up to $1,173. Donate today at affcf.org/give.