Maddie’s Road to Success: Independence Through Thornwell
Maddie was so proud to show off her new-to-her car. She has worked tirelessly over the last few years, and she has come a long way from the anxious 18-year-old who aged out of foster care. When she first entered Thornwell’s Transitional Living Program she felt unworthy of big dreams, but no longer. This was her first big purchase, and she considered it the first thing that really belonged to her. She beamed with pride as she turned the car on. Her Teaching Parent, Kimberly, noticed the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree.
“How long has your check engine light been on?” she asked.
“My what?” Maddie replied.
Maddie had been driving around blissfully unaware that the multiple lights on her dashboard were not meant to be there. She did not have a parent, sibling, or mentor in her life to teach her basic car care that many of us take for granted as teenagers. That is, until she met Kimberly at Thornwell.
Because you believe that every young person deserves a chance to grow and thrive, Maddie has a caring community of support and the resources she needs to drive (safely!) into her bright future! Your generosity makes it possible for Maddie, and others like her, to learn the basic skills they need for successful independence.
This year, more than 250,000 children will be placed into the US foster care system. 23,000 young people will age out of foster care without a permanent family. The statistics for these beloved and talented young people are devastatingly negative.
- 20% of youth aging out of foster care will become instantly homeless
- 50%+ of youth aging out of foster care will be incarcerated before age 26
- 70% of young women aging out of foster care will become pregnant before age 21
Maddie didn’t initially recognize the warning lights on her dashboard, but because of people like YOU, Thornwell’s Transitional Living program staff daily come alongside her and ensure that she is prepared for the “warning signs” of life. She is learning the basic skills needed to thrive as an adult, and she never has to do it alone. She lives and learns within a community of support with adults who provide loving care and connection. She receives vocational and educational support, money management training, fellowship with peers, and therapeutic support.
Thank you for equipping Maddie with new life skills! Today, she has confidence in herself and isn’t afraid to dream big dreams. She knows she has what it takes to succeed. Because of her time at Thornwell, she will one day soon drive out the gates of Thornwell, ready to take on her future. She knows she has what it takes to succeed!