By: Heather Tijerina
It takes a community to raise children. For foster youth entering adulthood, a strong community makes the difference between success and failure. For a young lady named Maria, we made sure she started her new chapter with a strong community.
When Maria graduated from high school in the Rio Grande Valley, she had her sights set on going to college. She worked hard, did her research, and took big leaps towards her goals. Maria got into a prestigious university and she was awarded scholarships – she did it! Big rewards often come with big changes, and she was transitioning to a university over 500 miles from home where she would have no connections, no transportation, and no support system.
Foster youth face many challenges when it comes to college; about 20% of foster youth who graduate high school attend college, and of that population only 2-3% make it to college graduation. However, we know that if a foster youth attending college has at least one supportive connection, their chances of success vastly improve.
Maria knew having a car at college would help her gain independence. She heard about our Keys to Success program, so she applied to have her down payment matched towards the purchase of a car. She saved money and began looking for cars, but realized that this big, first-time purchase felt a little intimidating to do on her own.
Denton, TX is nowhere near Foster Angels’ staff, nor is it anywhere near Maria’s hometown. But we were determined to create a support system wherever she calls home. One phone call to CASA of Denton County, a nonprofit organization that advocates for youth in foster care, created a chain reaction of community agencies who began working together to help Maria. Deb Finley, a board member for CASA of Denton County, worked alongside Foster Angels to understand Maria’s needs of transportation and independence. Deb connected with Maria and after just a few days, Maria was able to find an affordable and safe car. Deb was by her side every step of the way. Maria needed to get the plates changed; Deb showed her how. Maria needed a new bank account set up; Deb helped Maria research banking options, then took Maria to open her new account. Deb followed up with Maria to ensure the car was road-ready.
We are fortunate to be part of a community of helpers. Thank you to Deb and CASA of Denton County for going above and beyond the call of duty. This was not a “normal” task within their typical protocol; this was something more, something special. What a beautiful community we get to call ours. At Foster Angels, we recognize that more support is always better. In every situation, we want youth to feel loved, supported, and safe.
Maria sent a picture of herself proudly standing next to her car, holding her keys. We couldn’t be there in person to congratulate her, but she is a child from our community and we made sure she knew we are here, no matter the distance. Maria gratefully shared, “Thank you so much for everything. I am so blessed that you gave me this opportunity.” Her car is not just transportation; it is an opportunity – her chance to show the world she is committed to fiercely fight for her own future. And we are so excited to watch Maria achieve her goals!
