2009 Outstanding Young Leaders

Keyaira has moved to many different homes within her family; 10 to be exact, all kinship placements. Her experiences in foster care have emphasized to Keyaira the importance of advocating on behalf of other foster youth. “I like to advocate for youth that are in care because I feel that... Read more

In foster care since age 10, in a total of four different homes since, Esther appreciates the insights she has gained from having been in the system. “Being in the foster care system, though a difficult experience, has allowed me to appreciate everything that I have been granted in life:... Read more

After enduring years of physical and mental abuse, Theresa was placed in foster care at the age of 15. She had 3 different social workers, 4 placements and attended 3 different high schools. After aging out of the system, Theresa supported herself for 2 years and earned her high school... Read more

Alixes grew up in foster care. He did not have blood family in Connecticut and lived in numerous foster homes and a group home. He has overcome many obstacles and has shown that he is more than a foster child--he is a leader. He has gained a slot as a... Read more

Richard entered the foster care system in 2000 at the age of thirteen. During his time in care Richard was in four different placements. He has had the support of his most current foster family since July 2001. Although Richard has dealt with significant trauma, separation, and loss in his... Read more

Cierra moved in and out of homes, with eight moves total while facing the challenges of the foster care system. Initially entering care at the age of 8, she was able to find her forever home at the age of 16 and was adopted shortly after first meeting her mother... Read more

Terry was in the foster care system for five years. During that time, Terry had several different placements until he moved to a kinship placement from which he aged out of care. During his teen years Terry remained connected to family, worked hard in school and was involved in the... Read more

Jacie is an 18 year old who will be graduating from Eagle Grove High School this May. She plans to attend Iowa Central Community College to complete her general classes, then transfer to a 4-year institution to pursue a degree in Photography and Business. Jacie loves to be around people... Read more

Krista aged out of the foster care system in Iowa at the age 18 in 2006. She was in foster care twice (from age 3-8 and 12-18) and was adopted twice, once as an adult. She went to the University of Iowa and now works with youth who have aged... Read more

Adrian has been in two emergency shelters and three foster homes in the five years he has been in the foster care system. When he turned 18 he decided the benefits of staying in care were too great to not sign himself back into foster care. Adrian is involved with... Read more