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Foster Pride Success Stories Young people in foster care often come from a difficult past. But Foster Pride can – and does – help them face a brighter future. Here are just a few stories about our students’ successes. (* Please note: We have changed their names to protect their privacy.) |
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Charles – He Graduated from one of the Top Design Schools in the US Charles graduated in January ’06 with a degree in graphic design from Parsons The New School for Design, a hard-won achievement. He had struggled academically and socially throughout middle and high school because of spotty attendance, learning difficulties, and frequent moves from one foster family to another. In high school he joined Foster Pride's Teen Program. Charles’ Foster Pride mentor connected him to the supports he needed to make the most of his abilities: a psychological tester, who donated her services to identify Charles’ learning problems; a professional tutor who donated his time to help Charles get his grades up; and to Foster Pride's Project Outreach Coordinator, who helped Charles apply for a variety of scholarships to make his dreams of higher education a reality. Working together with his mentor, Charles developed his portfolio and was accepted into one of the most well-respected design schools in the nation. Staying in school wasn't easy, but for five years Foster Pride provided the help that most students get from their parents—emotional support, books, materials and summer housing, and even, a place to go for Christmas dinner. After graduation, Foster Pride helped Charles find an apartment, a job, and took him on a shopping trip to Ikea, where for the first time in his life, he picked out his own furniture. ..........................................................................................................................
Rakeem – He Went from a C or D Student to A’s and B’sRakeem came to workshops in The Teen Mentoring Program every Saturday for two years, often staying for six hours at a time, absorbed in his work. During this time, Rakeem, who had been a C or D student, began to see his first successes: he placed first in his school’s science fair and got an A+ on his book report on Rosa Parks. The program provided Rakeem the space, the tools, and assistance he needed to fulfill his potential. He used the program’s computer for homework as well as artwork and had access to the supplies he needed to create unique projects. Over time, he transformed from a struggling student to an exceptional student with As and Bs. Rakeem is graduating from high school this year and plans to pursue a degree in Computer Science. ..........................................................................................................................
Giselle & Natalie – Sisters Progress Past Behavioral Problems to High HopesSisters Giselle and Natalie were on the verge of being sent to a residence for teens with behavioral problems, when their Foster Pride teacher Dana took them under her wing. Dana mentored the sisters, stayed in contact with their teachers and social workers and enrolled the girls in enrichment classes at the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Most of all she provided a strong, caring presence. Giselle and Natalie were not sent away or forgotten. Over the past two years—with Dana’s help—the sisters are realizing their potential. As Giselle prepares to graduate from high school, she is acting as an advocate for other teens in foster care. She is also working as an assistant teacher for a Foster Pride weekly art class - not only gaining valuable work experience, but also acting as a peer mentor to other children and youth in care. ..........................................................................................................................
Alex – This Fledgling Fashion Designer Creates his own Clothes and Backpacks Alex, a 15-year old boy who lives with his three brothers in a group home in Rego Park, loved sewing — a skill he learned from his grandmother. Foster Pride got him his own sewing machine and found a needle arts class. Alex enthusiastically started designing and creating backpacks, clothing, and gifts for his foster parents and siblings. Although the class ran from 12-2pm, Alex would sometimes show up as early as 10, and stay until 5 or 6, and help the staff around the shop. When he was shuffled to a new foster home in Staten Island, a two-hour subway ride away from his beloved class—Alex was determined to stick with the classes. He says he doesn’t mind the long commute because "it gives me time to plan out my designs." ..........................................................................................................................
Christopher – His Art Work Was Displayed at Rockefeller Center Twelve-year-old Christopher was one of fifteen winners in a citywide competition — "A Tribute to Nelson Mandela in Celebration of Black History Month," sponsored by the Whitney Museum and the Studio Museum of Harlem. Christopher’s work was exhibited at Rockefeller Center and celebrated in a reception hosted by Russell Simmons – a thrilling honor! It was the first time Christopher had ever seen the Rockefeller Center skating rink. “That’s where they light the tree,” he said, incredulously, another reminder that the simple things we take for granted often seem out of reach to foster children. The following week Christopher’s Foster Pride teacher gathered together all seven of Christopher’s siblings and his foster parent for a skating party at Rockefeller Center. |
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