A Fresh Start for Addison
Nineteen-year-old Addison* joined FYI in July when her boyfriend’s mom found FYI on social media. The oldest of five siblings, Addison first entered the foster care system at age 4, was subsequently reunified with her birth mother, and then re-entered foster care at age 14. Addison had not graduated from high school; her transcripts only listed classes through the ninth grade. She had changed schools so often that she couldn’t even remember the names of all the high schools she attended. Each time she started at a new school, she was overwhelmed both by how far she lagged behind and her responsibilities for taking care of her younger siblings.
At age 17, she was again reunified with her biological mother, who still struggled with addiction, and her time in foster care ended. Because her case was closed before her 18th birthday, Addison was ineligible to receive AB 12 (extended foster care) benefits, which include a monthly housing allowance. When she turned 18, Addison courageously decided to leave her toxic home, but without guidance and financial support, she became homeless. When she came to FYI, she had been staying with her boyfriend’s aunt for five months and longed for a place to call her own.
Shortly following her FYI welcome (intake) meeting, Addison was paired with a caring adult Ally, Emma,* who has provided the guidance and moral support she desperately needed. Emma took Addison to enroll in a high school equivalency program at a local adult school and waited outside. Emma said that when Addison emerged from her appointment, “Her face was beaming like she had just been to Disneyland. She was so happy for the chance to go to school!” Emma has been helping with transportation to school and appointments. She took Addison to get her social security card and helped her create a resume so she can start applying for jobs. As Addison told Emma, “Every time I’m with you, something good happens.”
In addition to her Ally, Addison has gained a community of support in FYI. She received a free eye exam and glasses thanks to our partnership with the Assistance League. She has participated in our academic support program, “The Study Place,” and attended “Ready, Set, Drive!” to prepare to earn a driver’s license. Three weeks ago, Addison moved to her own place, a room at one of the houses owned by a generous couple who rents to FYI youth at a reduced rate. With funds from a “Welcome Home” grant awarded by the City of Santa Clarita, FYI purchased bedding and towels for Addison’s new room. She told Emma that she has “never had a room this nice” and feels comfortable and safe enough to “actually leave my door open.”
With her Ally by her side and the FYI community of support behind her, Addison is making a fresh start and is excited about her future!
*Names changed to protect privacy.