Fostering Advocates Arizona

Youth. Speak. Change.

I Speak Change. Youth Speak Parenting.

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Parenting is a new adventure every day. Along with my husband, we are proud parents to our two little boys and my younger brother who we adopted. Parenting is one of the most impactful jobs a person can have. You are a guide, advocate, protector, and provider.

Stefani portraitBeing a young woman who has experienced foster care, I did not have parental figures to show me how to be all of those things, and simply put, to be a mom. Fortunately, when we had our first child we were connected to Healthy Families who provided trained staff to visit our home and work with our family one-on-one to provide guidance and support as new parents. Since I did not have parental figures to ask for advice, Healthy Families provided answers to my questions such as the developmental stages and milestones of children. They also connected us to resources around the community that without their support we would have never known about.

Family is forever. My husband, children, and siblings have always been my top priority. When my siblings and I entered foster care, my four brothers and I were separated. While two of my youngest brothers were adopted by a family out of state, my 19 year old brother lives with us and we were able to adopt my other brother; a memorable moment as it meant we would be a family forever.

I have learned that parenting is a team effort. I am the mother I am today in large part because of my supportive husband, he is my number one fan! He helps get the kids readyStefani and Fam on National Adoption Day in the morning, looks after the kids while I am at work and school, and is supportive of breastfeeding which is a big commitment. We were also fortunate to have great support from our case manager Kimberly Aguilera, from Casey Family Programs, as she was especially helpful in finding resources for my brothers and I.

As I said, being a parent is a new adventure every day, however it is the most rewarding adventure I have embarked on, and I am so fortunate for the support we have received along the way.

Stefani Quote

Opportunity Passport: Honesty’s Bus Farewell

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Wheel invoice_7-29-15_AKFor Honesty Adams, purchasing her first vehicle with the support of Opportunity Passport was not only a privilege but also a necessity.

Having a vehicle provided me the opportunity to get to my job with Ulta, the make-up store, as well as maintain that employment now that I have reliable transportation. Sometimes I am required to travel from store to store and by having a vehicle I am able to fulfill my job requirements.”

With the Opportunity Passport financial literacy and match savings program, Honesty learned the skills of financial management including budgeting, savings, and car buying 101. She had her mind set on making a down payment for a vehicle to allow her to travel back and forth between school and work. “Cynnetta (Opportunity Passport Coordinator) was very helpful through the whole process. She was very attentive, guided me through the checklist of purchasing a vehicle, and connected me to a trusted dealership.”

By applying the money saving strategies she learned through Opportunity Passport, it was not long before Honesty saved $2,000. With the $2,000 match funds from the program, she had a down payment of $4,000 for her new 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid.

Where I came from, nobody helped me, but the Opportunity Passport program did. Without their help I would not have been able to make a down payment to purchase a vehicle. Now I have employment stability and access to opportunities that I may have never had without their support.”

Click to hear more stories from youth like Honesty on how Opportunity Passport has helped further their educational and employment goals leading to a brighter future.

 

I Speak Change. Youth Speak Involvement.

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I Speak Involvement

BreAt 15-years-old, I was placed into Arizona’s child welfare system. From this experience, I discovered just how challenging every aspect of life becomes while in foster care. As I recognized the need for social change my passion for studying social work emerged. I believe education and a strong support system play a vital role in self-development and so I sought to make a difference by attending Arizona State University. I became involved in programs that aligned with my experiences in the child welfare system, as well as my belief in the power of education to impact youth who have experienced foster care. .

The Armstrong Family Foundation Scholarship and Bridging Success are two of the programs that I am involved in at ASU. In each of these programs, I am surrounded by a community of people and resources. I always have faculty, coordinators and mentors to turn to when I need support including help with financial aid. I have also made friends who are like family who provide a great social support.

I joined the board of Fostering Advocates Arizona to make a difference in the lives of youth who experienced foster care by supporting systematic changes to address the disparities and needs of foster youth. Overall, I would like to advocate for as many individuals who have experienced foster care as I can through my leadership and involvement with Fostering Advocates Arizona as well as clubs and programs at ASU.

I Speak Change. Youth Speak Education.

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ISpeakEduDuring my senior year of high school I would ask myself every day  “how in the world am I going to pay for college?” As a former foster child, first generation college student, and having no means to finance my education, I was never deterred from seeking a college degree. Rather, these obstacles pushed me to work even harder. I did not want my fate to be the same as some individuals around me, which resulted in me devoting time every day to applying for scholarships.

Frank Smith ASU Student Body President
Frank Smith

The Armstrong Family Foundation Scholarship was the first scholarship that I was awarded. Many scholarships commonly provide the funds to attend college, but the Armstrong Family Foundation Scholarship provides so much more- a family. Each month we participate in a scholarship event. Some of the past events include seeing a Broadway play at Gammage Theater, learning proper dining etiquette, attending professional development opportunities, and taking part in community service. My personal favorite is when all of the scholars go to Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. During the weekend trip, the scholars assist in building homes for local families and distribute about 1,000 food boxes.

Frank Smith ASU Student Body President

In addition to the cultural experiences, networking opportunities and all of the free food, there is a scholarship coordinator that will be there for you every step of the way during your collegiate experience. Without the funds provided to me by the generous Armstrong Family Foundation Scholarship, I would have not been able to be as involved in the extracurricular activities on and off campus.

A person is not responsible for the circumstances that they are born into, but they are responsible for what they do despite their upbringing.” —Frank Smith

Interested in applying for the Armstrong Scholarship? Click here!

Sarah’s First Set of Wheels!

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Opp Pass_Sarah DunawaySarah’s life was changed forever with the support of Opportunity Passport™! As a student and new mother, Sarah knew having a car would be incredibly helpful in taking care of her new born and maintaining her status as a student. When she first heard Opportunity Passport™ could help her purchase a car she was excited!

 “I have a 3 month old and having a vehicle would help me take care of him and make commuting in general easier.”

Opportunity Passport™ provided Sarah with essential financial education on saving money and managing a budget as well as one-on-one coaching to help her purchase an asset.

Working with Opportunity Passport™ Sarah saved $2,000 and the program matched her savings for a total of $4,000. And guess what she did with her savings? She purchased her first vehicle!

“It helps me to have independence. My son is sick right now and having a vehicle makes it easier to take him to his doctor appointments.”

Sarah is saving and considering what her next asset purchase will be. Thanks to Opportunity Passport™ she has a better understanding of how to budget for her next purchase.

Sponsor a path today and support a young adult like Sarah in purchasing a life changing asset!

Watch Our Video About Normalcy in Foster Care
7 Ways to Advocate for Your Rights in Foster Care

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