Providing Hope and a Community of Support

Andrew* joined FYI last March. A senior at a local high school, Andrew was living in a foster home where he had been placed at the end of 11th grade. He had moved several times over the past few years between biological family members and foster homes.

Andrew was quickly paired with his FYI Ally, Matt,* who became a huge positive force in his life. Matt spent countless hours with Andrew and celebrated his high school graduation with him in May. Through FYI, Andrew learned about the financial aid available to foster youth and decided to enroll at College of the Canyons. Matt helped with rides to job interviews, college counseling appointments and FYI events, giving Andrew the support he needed to keep moving forward.

But when Andrew turned 18 in October, he was given just 14 days to move out of his foster home. The only placement option his social worker offered was far outside Santa Clarita—meaning he would have to leave college and his support system at FYI.

FYI jumped into action, searching for alternatives and ultimately connecting Andrew with a local foster family who would soon have room for him when another FYI youth left for military service. Andrew met the family and moved in with them last month. He is happy and grateful to remain in Santa Clarita, where he can stay in school and continue building his future with the support of his Ally and the FYI community. When his FYI coordinator reached out to see how he was adjusting to his new home, Andrew texted, “Erin* and everybody there really feel like family, which I haven’t felt that way in years.”

*Names changed to protect privacy.