Client 67: Not Alone, Ever Again
Doing anything on your own can be terrifying. Add to that being young and without a lot of resources or support, and it can feel overwhelming.
Our 67th client (whom we will call Ryan*) has asked to remain anonymous and requested that photos and details of their story not be shared publicly. Instead, we’d love to talk about their nominating organization, Our Community Our Kids, and what they shared about young adults aging out of the foster care system and stepping into adulthood.
Ryan* was nominated by Zahra, a caseworker from Our Community Our Kids, a foster care and adoption organization based in Fort Worth. Zahra does a great deal of work with children aging out of the foster care system by helping connect them with resources, job applications, and continued education. Stepping into adulthood is a challenging transition for anyone, but for many young people who have been in the foster care system, it can be especially difficult. Many lack community support, financial resources, and the practical training needed to make that transition easier.
Specifically, Zahra mentioned that most young adults aging out of the foster care system do not have a personal vehicle, and many do not have a driver’s license or any real experience behind the wheel. This turns an uphill climb into a mountainous challenge.
Yet Zahra went on and on about how many of these young adults are also some of the most motivated, intentional, and driven people she knows. They are sharp, they understand what they need to do in order to move forward in life, and they have the mindset to persist in the face of difficulties.
All of these qualities were abundantly clear in Ryan’s* story. Not only are they in college pursuing a double major, but they are also working, paying their bills, and doing all of this while navigating a public transit system that takes them across the metroplex every day!
As we gave Ryan* this beautiful Pontiac Vibe and welcomed another client into the OnRamp DFW family, we were reminded that found-family is absolutely family. Ryan*, we are so excited to walk with you over the next year, get to know you better, and watch you continue to grow into the wonderful person God made you to be. Keep doing what you’re already doing.
*Client’s name has been changed to Ryan for the telling of this story.
Photos by Jon Dunlop at JDunlop Media
