Michael is 17, and, like many boys his age, trying to decide what he wants to do when he finishes school. Unlike most boys, though, he was facing the prospect of aging out of the foster care system with no one to help him as he transitioned to adulthood. His Extreme Recruiter, Liz, has been working to find family members who can offer their support to Michael. She found his sister, Angela, who aged out of foster care 10-years ago. When Liz spoke with her, she was heartbroken thinking of Michael facing the lonely future she had faced before she turned 18. “I don’t want my brother to go through what I did,” she said.
When Angela aged out of foster care at 18, she did not have a high school diploma, but she did have a will to succeed. She did whatever it took, working different jobs to remain independent. With no family or support system, she has struggled to make it on her own. Liz recently helped set up weekly visits between Michael and his sister, and Angela can’t wait to adopt Michael. “I want him to celebrate his 18th birthday knowing he has a family to count on,” she said. “He won’t have to be alone. I had to make my own luck, but I can help him make his.”