From Foster Care to Healthcare | Cheryl’s Story

Turning 18 is a huge milestone! While it may be exciting for a young person to experience more freedom, for many, it can be intimidating to enter the world of adulthood. Today, too many young people are forced to navigate the first steps into college and career without a “village” to support them. This can feel impossible, especially for those aging out of foster care.

Everyone deserves a strong community of care and access to resources to help them achieve their dreams! Generosity tells young people they are not alone. Thornwell’s Transitional Living program exists to help young people aging out of foster care or experiencing instability step into a strong future.

For one resident, Cheryl, the impact of support and stable housing has meant everything! She is well on her way to making her dreams a reality. Cheryl has always wanted to be a nurse. She did well in grade school, taking advanced-level courses. When she entered foster care, her coursework was interrupted, and it was challenging for her to get back on track. But despite the trauma and challenges of foster care, it was important to her to graduate with her class. Because of her persistence and internal motivation, she was able to graduate on time.

CHERYL’S DREAMS OF BECOMING A NURSE ARE COMING TRUE!

“I always look back at my old self and think of what little Cheryl wanted to do with her life,” she said. “ I use her to keep pushing; I want to make her proud. My experiences helped shapeme, but they don’t make me.”

Today, Cheryl is taking steps towards her dream. She is working hard in college, taking all thenecessary prerequisites to qualify for nursing school. Thornwell’s Transitional Living programhas ensured she has a safe and stable place to live while she studies and works towards hergoal. The residential team walks alongside Cheryl and other residents, providing intentionalcare and support to help them develop the skills they need to balance life’s responsibilities.

“Overall, I enjoy Thornwell, and I’m happy to live here while I build myself up to live on my own,” she said.

Thank you for your commitment to ensuring a strong community for young adults like Cheryland ensuring she can thrive in the “real world.” Cheryl is going to be a nurse one day and impact the world for good because you cared enough to support Thornwell!