30th of June 2021

Although some people believe that being in foster care is a tragedy, it can be a blessing in disguise for youth who cannot safely live with their families. I entered care when I was an infant, and again, when I was a teenager. 

Being in foster care as a teen taught me the core skills I needed to become a successful adult. I knew early on that I didn’t want to become a statistic, and I also knew that being an African-American girl meant that the odds were already stacked against me, so when I entered foster care, I was even more determined to succeed. I did everything I could to learn how to become self-reliant so that I could take care of my own needs. I spent hours at the school library and sought-out caring adults to teach me important life skills so that I would feel prepared for adulthood and help other youth like me, have a chance to succeed.  

While my teenage years were very challenging due to the massive effects of trauma, God sent special people on my path who later became instrumental in my growth. One major influence in my life, during my teenage years, was Mary Welch. Ms. Welch worked for the JTPA program (The Job Training Partnership Act) at my school. I had an instant connection with her when I met her, because for the first time, I saw a woman who looked like me who was successful. She didn’t judge me because I was in foster care, and she took time out to mentor me which helped me increase my confidence about working at my very first job.  

Because of the skills I learned at my job, which included filing, typing, and providing excellent customer service, I was able to get a job within the first two weeks of applying at my university, which was usually difficult to do because of the competition. If it weren’t for Ms. Welch, or other caring adults, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to learn new skills or get my first job. 

Having caring adults in my life made a world of difference for me, and still has a positive impact on me to this very day. Although teens who have experienced abuse are often expected to be troublemakers who are defiant or intemperate, there are many teens who want to become successful. In fact, many teens actually want to take on responsibility because it helps them increase their self-confidence and feel more independent.  

I enjoyed keeping my room clean, cooking my own meals, helping out around the house, and doing my homework without being asked. I knew that I would have to be independent one day, so I knew I had to practice who I wanted to become as an adult. 

Teens are incredibly resilient and need loving adults who can help guide them so they can make positive life choices. Becoming a foster parent to a teen can be one of the most loving, selfless acts caring adults can do to help a youth build a solid foundation in life. If you want to foster or adopt a child, please call or text me at 310-291-3889 to learn more about how you can qualify to become a resource parent. 

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Eve Powers, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Eve has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Eve obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Eve’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Eve continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.