Reagan Dodson has been in care for 2 years in Tennessee’s Child Welfare system. 

Reagan describes being separated from her mom shortly after moving to Tennessee as “heartbreaking”. In spite of placements that were sometimes hard and sometimes helpful, she is proud of having graduated from high school with a 4.0 GPA. She is currently in Extended Care and majoring in psychology at Pellissippi State Community College.

Reagan volunteers every chance she gets. She has helped at a woman’s shelter, the Humane Society, and a local thrift store. Her current project is organizing 40 Christmas stockings with toys and hygiene products for homeless families.

The counselors and social workers who have supported Reagan in care deeply impacted her, so she is looking forward to transferring to a University where she hopes to go all the way through grad school and continue the good work of supporting youth in crisis.

“I give back because it is important to let people know that they’re not alone and that things can and will get better. I want to remind people that in the midst of struggle and despair, there is so much in the world to be thankful and happy for.”

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Team(s) or Cohort(s)
2019 Outstanding Young Leaders
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