“I was not ready to be an adult when I emancipated from foster care” Daniel said. “I worked two jobs, but I was not financially ready to live independently and I did not have the money saved to get an apartment or car yet.”

Daniel’s social worker helped him understand the options available to him after foster care in California and worked with him to apply to the Aspiranet THP-Plus program in Fresno.

“I knew I wanted to go to school to further my education,” said Daniel. “When I heard of the THP-Plus program, I thought that it would be really helpful and great for me while I was in transition. I applied to the program and was accepted and didn’t have to move or switch social workers.”

Daniel recently celebrated his first year in THP-Plus, where he has continued to live with his foster family in the THP-Plus host family model. As a part of the program, Daniel has gained valuable skills.

“I’ve definitely learned time and money management from my life coach. Because I work so much, I can’t attend all of the THP-Plus sessions, but my life coach works with me one-on-one. With him, I’ve been able to open bank accounts, manage my money and organize my time.”

Beyond practical skills, Daniel has tapped into a group of people through THP-Plus that have helped him prepare for life after he leaves the program. Right now, Daniel’s going to school fulltime and working at Little Caesar’s during the week and for a janitorial service on the weekends. When he finishes his basic classes, he hopes to transfer to Fresno State and possibly join the military.

“The people I’ve met and am associated with through THP-Plus are great people,” Daniel said. “They’ve taught me a lot about humility and having respect for myself and for others. I’ve been on a couple of youth panels and heard about a lot of people’s struggles in life and foster care. It has opened my eyes to other people’s perspective and struggles.”

Inspired by his own experience in foster care and THP-Plus, Daniel’s long-term goal is to get his Master’s degree in Social Work and open his own foster care agency. His story is a testament to the fact that youth with a strong support system can truly attain anything they aspire to. We are so inspired to have Daniel as part of Aspiranet’s THP-Plus program and look forward to watching him achieve his goals.

James Clark stays pretty busy these days. If he’s not volunteering at a Fresno-area hospice, he’s probably studying to complete his GED or practicing his driving skills with his newly acquired CA driver’s license. Life hasn’t always been this way for James, though. He’s finally getting the hang of this “grown-up” life thanks to the help he’s received from the Aspiranet THP-Plus program in Fresno and his aunt.

“I’m just barely starting to feel like an adult” James said. “I’m learning the concepts of working with people, paying for insurance and food and just dealing with life. My auntie helped me a lot with this.”

Twenty-year-old James grew up in Fresno and entered foster care after losing his parents.

“I understand that everything has a reason behind it,” James said. “I think about this every day. I don’t have a mom and dad, but everything I do, I do it to make my mom proud. I like to think that if she were looking down on me, she would be proud, especially with me getting my driver’s license and everything.”

Just like his mother would be, THP-Plus support staff are incredibly proud of James and his resolve and hard work at improving his life. We wish him all the best as he pursues his long and short-term goals:

“Someday I want to go into criminal investigation, like CSI, and help them solve those big crimes,” James said. “I want to learn to not let the small things get to me. I want to stay positive and help my friends out that are going through things. Mainly, I just want to be a better person.”

Jamie Navarro is an Aspiranet THP-Plus participant currently living with her former foster parents in the THP-Plus Host Family Model while attending California State Univeristy – Fresno. She participated in a short Q&A session with Aspiranet to talk about her experience in Aspiranet THP-Plus and her big goals for the future. Thank you, Jamie, for sharing your story!

Were you ready to be an adult when you turned 18? Why or why not?

I was positive that I was ready to "be an adult" when I turned 18, but I thought it would just be another label; being an adult. I didn't realize the amount of responsibility it took to not only become an adult, but to become a successful adult.

What made you decide to apply to THP-Plus?

I was coming near to my emancipation and I still hadn't really weighed my options. I knew I had no interest in returning to my biological extended family so when my foster parents opened their home to me, I knew it was the right decision to apply to the THP-Plus program.

What skills have you learned in THP-Plus that you didn’t know before you joined?

I learned how to communicate with adults and to be firm. It was always the case of being a foster kid, never really having a voice to speak my mind or opinions, but I feel that the case workers treat us as equals and I enjoy that. I also have learned a lot financial wisdom, such as budgeting and money management.

How has THP-Plus helped you grow as a person?

I feel confident in my abilities to pay my bills, to go to a job interview, to express my mind and tell how I feel. THP-Plus is more than just a program, it's a tool to help youth blossom into mature, responsible former foster youth that break the stereotype of a "foster kid".

What are you doing now?

I'm currently attending school full time at California State University - Fresno and majoring in Social Work, trying to obtain a double minor in English and Art. I also work part time at Boomer's Fun Park and I play roller derby. 

What are your future goals?

I honestly have so many dreams, I amaze myself sometimes. My deepest wish is that I can help kids who were in my same situation and help them to make the best of it. I want to get my Master's in Social Work so I can one day be a social worker. I'd like to write children's books to not only inform children about foster care and what it's like, but to let children who are in foster care know that they're not alone and they're not so different. I'd like to start art therapy classes in the future for kids who've suffered trauma and create a positive counseling experience. From that, I'd like to publish a book containing the art of children in the foster care system and their stories to show the world what beautiful people we truly are.

I just want to help make the world a little better, a little happier, and spread a little more love.

Richard lived in 12 different foster homes as a child. Upon emancipating from foster care at 18, Richard was instantly homeless and found himself sleeping in public parks. After one year of living on the streets, a social worker introduced him to Aspiranet's THP-Plus program where he received help and counseling.

Today, Richard is a student at Cal State Fresno planning to graduate in 2012. He also works as an Aspiranet Life Coach, helping other youth through the Aspiranet's Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program.

"Words can be empowering to youth," Richard said. "I went through many of the same experiences as the youth people I work with. It is rewarding to see them success and know that my influence contributes to their success."

Today, Steven goes to Fresno City College, serves on the Aspiranet Board of Directors, volunteers in Mexico and Africa, and works part-time in a restaurant. He’s an intelligent, well-rounded young adult with a caring heart and passion for helping others.

He’s overcome unfathomable odds.

After emancipating from foster care at 18, he reconnected with his biological father. What social workers considered a happy ending Steven describes as “the worst year of my life”. He returned home one day to discover an abandoned apartment with his belongings stacked on the curb, leaving him homeless.

At 22, Steven was introduced to THP-Plus by his brother and began the journey to reclaim his independence. With the help of THP-Plus life coaches, Steven learned valuable life skills and improved his life.

"The THP-Plus programs have helped me become a better independent adult," Steven said. "I have learned how to cook, take care of myself, manage finances and credit and establish relationships with people."