Fostering Advocates Arizona

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Opportunity Passport – Yesenia Studies Abroad

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When speaking with Yesenia her passion for journalism is instantaneously apparent as she talks about her goal of studying abroad; her smile beaming from cheek to cheek.

Yesenia is currently a full time student at Arizona State University in the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is also working on a minor in Spanish. She first heard about Opportunity Passport through her Nina Mason Scholars network.

“I am just so grateful for the opporOpp Pass_Yeseniatunity to open a savings account and to purchase assets that are really needed. With Opportunity Passport you get real world experience managing money and you become grateful for all the opportunities it opens up.”

While working a part time job and saving her hard earned money, Opportunity Passport matched Yesenia’s savings of $1,500 for a total of $3,000 to help her purchase a life-changing asset. Yesenia made her dreams come true to study abroad in Costa Rica San Jose at Veritas University during her 2016 semester!

“Having my savings matched and being able to study abroad has huge implications for my future. The key to being a good journalist is being well rounded, cultured, and open-minded and this opportunity provides those experiences so I can be a great journalist.”

As Yesenia prepares for takeoff, she is already saving for her next asset purchase. She is currently without dental care and working to save funds for a needed procedure. With Opportunity Passport, Yesenia can break down those barriers and stay on top of her health and wellness so she can have the trip of a lifetime.

Help a youth like Yesenia in making their goals come true by “Sponsoring a Youth” today! Click here to learn more.

I Speak Change. Youth Speak Nina Scholars.

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ISpeakChangeNinaSholar

??????????As a former foster care child, figuring out how to pay for my college expenses such as tuition, books, & housing was quite intimidating. Thankfully, I became a scholar of the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, which supported me throughout my undergraduate degree at Arizona State University. The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust is one of the most unique and giving scholarship programs for former foster care youth in Arizona. As an undergraduate student, not only did they support me financially in covering my college expenses, but they also created a community of mentors and friends that guided me through my best and most difficult moments.

The scholarship directors were always accessible to talk with, whether it was school related or not, through their regular progress check-ins. There were also events throughout the year to spend quality time with other scholars. Having those experiences makes a world of a difference in the lives of former foster care youth pursuing their education. It fostered those strong relationships that are needed to succeed.

Alongside creating a community of mentors and friends, the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust connected me to resources such as supplemental scholarships, community programs for foster youth, and academic and financial experts at the university. This helped to affirm that I was in fact, receiving all of the support necessary to reach my full potential as a student. A BIG THANK YOU to the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust for going above and beyond in ensuring that former foster care youth receive a well rounded education. Keep changing lives, you are truly remarkable!

 

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it!

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In today’s trending news, we are highlighting 14 year old Zak who reached his longtime goal of opening a savings and checking account with help from Opportunity Passport™!

Zak currently lives in a group home, is attending school and employed part time so he can save for his educational future. Like Zak, many youth who experience foster care do not have access to savings accounts to safely deposit their money. The result; they end up keeping their earnings in an unsecured box hidden in their room or under a mattress. With assistance from the Opportunity Passport™ Coordinator, Zak took the program‘s Savings and Investments Training and now has a secure bank account!

Zak is currently saving to buy a laptop for school and has been working with the Opportunity Passport™ coordinator on a savings plan and goal. Once he is ready to purchase a laptop, his savings will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the many generous individuals who chose to “Sponsor a Path” for a youth who has experienced foster care. You too can “Sponsor a Path” and support a young adult’s future independence.

I Speak Change. Youth Speak Healthcare.

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ISpeakHealthcareTransitioning from foster care at age 18 and becoming an independent young adult can be very exciting and nerve wrecking. There are many significant responsibilities to manage and at times we forget, or don’t prioritize, the importance of obtaining or maintaining health insurance. Thankfully, there is now health insurance for former foster care youth known as Young Adult Transitional Insurance or YATI up to age 26.

Desaray-DuoPrior to YATI, there was minimal support for health insurance for former foster care youth. As a result, I aged out of foster care without health insurance, which caused a lot of financial and health obstacles for me. From the ages of 18-23, I was without health insurance and during that time I had a few medical emergencies that resulted in thousands of dollars in medical debt that took me several years to pay off. My story of being ineligible for health insurance as a former foster care child, before the implementation of YATI, is not unique. There were many other young adults who had aged out of care, became uninsured and were unable to seek regular or emergency medical attention without the fear of paying costly medical bills.

In 2014, health insurance for young adults who aged out of foster care in Arizona and are living in Arizona was extended to cover young people age 18-26.  This was truly a win for current and former foster care youth in Arizona! We all know the importance of health insurance and that in order to thrive, perform well in our jobs and education and lead a happy family, we need be proactive and take care of our health.

Click to learn more about Young Adult Transitional Insurance and how you may be eligible!

I Speak Change. Youth Speak Resources.

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ISpeakResources

PatienceSpeakWhen I was in foster care, one of the most helpful organizations that provided me with a great support system was Free Arts, which is a nonprofit that teaches healing and coping skills through the creative arts to vulnerable children and youth.

I was in many of their programs including Weekly Mentor, where I was paired with an adult mentor for a one-hour art session each week. I also participated in their Professional Artist Series where other youth, including myself, worked alongside a professional artist who taught us new skills. We then showcased our talents and hard work through art exhibits and performances.

When I turned 18 and aged out of foster care, I went from being a participant in Free Arts programming to actually volunteering with the organization. I started a youth leadership program; it was pretty solid working with kids in situations similar to my own as they looked up to me.

When I transitioned to living on my own, I realized I needed additional housing support and turned to Arizona’s Children Association. They were extremely helpful and enrolled me in their Transitional Independent Living Program (TILP). They helped me get back into extended foster care so I could receive the monthly subsidy to help with living expenses.

Overall, my advice to young people aging out of foster care is to keep your eyes open as there are resources all around you. Thy key is to use the services and to not give up, and always seek help when needed. If you pursue it, it will happen!

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