Hi, my name is Payton. I’m a Richmond City resident and Master’s in Social Work student at VCU. I’ve been connected to the foster care and adoption space through my internship with Virginia’s Kids Belong, my work as a residential specialist at a group home, and my hopes of one day becoming a foster parent.

In the group home, I work with mostly teens. These kids come from very hard circumstances and face so many challenges. They are also funny and interesting and ambitious. One thing that has really struck me is when you ask what they want to do – so many of them want to go into helping fields – nursing, teaching, military, social workers, therapists, becoming foster parents themselves.

This past year, I had the privilege to attend the high school graduations of two residents – both who aged out.

One young man who attended summer school to earn his degree early. Giving up the whole of his senior year because he wanted to ensure he had his diploma before he aged out. The other, a young woman who was the first in her family to graduate high school and I was the only person in the audience there for her.

That is one of the most profound moments I’ve had in this field. Looking around at all the parents and loved ones there not only to celebrate that student but to continue to guide them. To practice for a job interview, process heartbreak, read a lease – and this kid doesn’t have any of that.

The goals are there, the desire is there, the systems are getting there, but not there yet. Our systems need additional funding and fine tuning, and protections that require these kids to be consistently informed about what support is available through the Fostering Futures programs, FYI Vouchers, and other Independent Living resources.

Did you know, every member of our community can help these young people find belonging as they begin their adult life? Don’t assume they know how to get something done or know what to do. Be an encourager and a friend. Josh Shipp put it this way, ““Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.”

Let’s work together to change the statistics and build more success stories for these amazing kids.