At the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, we love a good follow-up story. A few years ago, we told you about Victoria, a bright young woman who joined the Keys to Success program when she was 16. As an AFFCF scholar, she will graduate from the University of Arizona this May, a full year ahead of schedule!
“Hello! My name is Victoria-Anne (they/she) and I’ve been in Keys to Success for four years now. I graduated high school in 2019 and started at the University of Arizona for Art Education that same year.
Adapting to Change
Over the past three years, going to university during the pandemic has been rough for all of us, and has made us change our plans. During this time of change, I started working at a nonprofit called Youth on Their Own and I changed my major to Sociology with a thematic minor in the arts since I have always been super passionate about social change and art.
I was scared to switch majors at first, but now I’m planning on graduating with my degree in May 2022, and to continue working in nonprofits while getting a tattoo apprenticeship.”
Finding Her Path
We’ve had the privilege of seeing Victoria’s growth over the past four years, watching her develop a strong work ethic and a desire to help others. In her spare time, she has volunteered with the Keys to Success Youth Advisory Board and has worked to affect change and improve the quality of life of youth in foster care.
“Victoria’s accomplishments are impressive by any standards, but even more so considering the challenges she has faced.”
Kim Jenkins, Keys to Success Career Development Specialist
“Victoria’s accomplishments are impressive by any standards, but even more so considering the challenges she has faced,” said Kim Jenkins, Victoria’s Keys to Success Career Development Specialist.
Realizing Potential
The Keys to Success program is about more than helping youth in foster care find employment. It’s our career and employment development specialists working in tandem to help young people realize their potential, develop job readiness skills and take an active role in determining their future. The Key to Success team continues to support youth throughout their journey to adulthood, whether it’s writing letters of recommendation, meeting for coffee or sharing additional resources.
You can support the young adults in our Keys to Success program by making a contribution to Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation. Individuals can contribute up to $500 and joint filers can contribute up to $1,000 and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their Arizona state taxes. Give today at affcf.org/give.