Isabel

Isabel spent over seven years in the foster care system. When she aged out she was still in high school and didn’t have a home or a place to go.

“I had never been given the opportunity to strengthen or explore my decision making skills. Moreover, I had no one there to support me if I failed or made the wrong decision.”

After eight years and multiple awards, Isabel is graduating from Western Michigan University graduate school with a 4.0 GPA, a master’s degree in Public Administration, and plans to attend law school. She works full-time for a national nonprofit that serves foster youth.

“More than anything, I want others to understand that my success doesn’t make me an exception. Instead, I hope it shows what’s possible for every foster youth when they’re given support and opportunity. The real exception in my journey wasn’t me—it was the people who believed in me, empowered me, and helped me rise.”

Isabel is one of the many youth that your generous donations have supported in the last few years. Thank you for investing in her and helping her overcome barriers to gain independence and joy.

“I spent so much of my childhood longing for safety. Now, I get to be curious, playful, and unapologetically soft. However ordinary it might sound, as an adult, I want to have moments where I can finally feel like a kid.”