It Takes a Village: Supporting Foster Youth as They Step Into Adulthood

Paul is a 20-year-old young man who was referred to RISE through the Fostering Youth Independence program for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system without a permanent home. He was in need of clothing, shoes, and specifically a rain jacket, which RISE was able to special order in his size.

To get to RISE, Paul took multiple trains and bus rides, totaling more than an hour of travel each way. On the day of his appointment, it was pouring rain.

Just a few days prior to Paul’s visit, a generous community member donated a brand-new, large waterproof backpacking backpack. He was thrilled to be able to fill it with clothes, shoes, and toiletries to carry all of his belongings home. Paul was also able to use the backpack to carry the items he needs while traveling back and forth to college classes by bus and train a few times a week.

Throughout Paul’s appointment, he was incredibly kind, grateful, and genuinely fun to be around. It is an honor to spend time with the resilient youth in our community and to be part of the village supporting them as they enter adulthood with very minimal support systems.