From Foster Care to Future Advocate

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We at One Family Illinois have the privilege of walking alongside young people as they discover their strengths and overcome challenges. Few stories embody that journey more powerfully than Lily's.

For the past four years, Lily has been apart of the Chicago Village community, where staff have witnessed her remarkable growth firsthand. She has blossomed into a confident, determined young woman preparing to take her next steps toward adulthood.

"Over the past four years, I have had the honor of watching her grow from a quiet and hesitant freshman into a confident senior who is not afraid to advocate for herself and speak her mind," shared Ciara Wilkins, Education & Enrichment Specialist at Chicago Village. "She has set her sights on studying Law and Criminal Justice, and I have no doubt that she will pursue those dreams with determination and purpose."

Lily has become known throughout the One Family Illinois community for her kindness, willingness to help others, and unwavering determination. Her positive spirit has left a lasting impression on both staff and fellow youth.

"For as long as I've known Lily, she's always wanted to be a lawyer," said Hassanata Fashina, Child Welfare Specialist. "She always advocates for herself and strives to be better."

That drive has been a defining characteristic throughout Lily's journey. Rather than allowing her experiences in foster care to define her, she has focused on building the future she envisions for herself.

"She doesn't define herself as being in care, but by what she sees for her future self," Hassanata explained. "She's not just a kid in care."

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Lily’s Essay – Her Own Words

My relationship with CYC has played an important role in shaping who I am today. As someone who has experienced foster care, having a program like CYC in my life has meant having stability, guidance, and support during times when things felt uncertain. Through CYC, I have been able to connect with mentors and peers who encourage me to keep going, even when challenges arise. It has given me a sense of belonging and reminded me that I am capable of achieving my goals no matter where I come from.

Being in foster care has taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity given to me. These experiences have pushed me to work harder in school and in my leadership roles. One of the most important ways I have grown is through my involvement in the Black Student Union (BSU). As a leader in BSU, I have helped create a space where students feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Whether it is organizing events like a fashion show or promoting unity within the school, I have learned how to take initiative, communicate with others, and represent something bigger than myself.

I have chosen to attend college because I want to build a stable and successful future for myself. Coming from foster care, I understand how important it is to create opportunities and break cycles.College represents more than just education for me—it represents growth, independence, and the chance to build a life that I am proud of. It is important to me because I want to prove to myself and others that my circumstances do not define my future.

In college, I plan to study a field that will allow me to have a meaningful and stable career while also helping others. My experiences have inspired me to pursue a path where I can make a difference, especially for young people who may be going through similar situations. College will give me the tools, knowledge, and confidence I need to succeed in my career and continue growing as a leader.

Giving back to my community is something I am deeply passionate about. Because I know what it feels like to need support and guidance, I want to be that support for others. In the future, I plan to mentor youth in foster care, volunteer in community programs, and continue being involved in organizations like BSU or similar groups. I want to help create safe spaces where young people feel valued and empowered to succeed.

Overall, CYC has helped shape my journey by providing support, encouragement, and opportunities that have allowed me to grow. Combined with my experiences in foster care and my leadership in BSU, I have developed strength, determination, and a strong sense of purpose. I am motivated to continue my education, build a successful career, and give back to my community in meaningful ways.

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