Represent: true stories by teens in foster care

Feature Story

The Best of Me

My nonbinary identity includes choosing gender roles I believe in.

by Luck Torres

As a little kid, I played dress-up in my mother’s red high heels, wigs, and her dresses, which touched the floor when I wore them. I loved it. I felt like the star of a show: glamorous and bright. My mom said I looked pretty.

Recent Stories

My Father’s Failure, Not My Fault

By Anonymous (“Angela”)

Once I faced reality, I found my strength.
Being Creative, Getting Paid

By Anonymous

My love of art, style, and planning events led me to major in advertising at Fashion Institute of Technology.
I Can Make Friends

By Anonymous

Living in a dorm has helped me take more social risks and get close to people.

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Our Bodily Autonomy

Highlighted Stories

Abortion: It Was the Right Choice for Me

I wasn’t ready to be a mother at 16.
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By Anonymous
The Morning After

I was terrified that I had just gotten pregnant.
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By C.S.
Three Tales of Teen Pregnancy

If I got pregnant, I know that I would hate to make a choice between having a baby and an abortion.
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By Jezaida Rivera

Foster Care Resources

The Fostering Connection
- free psychotherapy for youth in care

City Living NY
- support for youth aging out of care

Fair Futures
- Youth led advocacy that provide tutors / life coaches

More Stories

Ready for Independence

By J.C.

Moving from a group home into a foster family is a big improvement, but I still want to live on my own when I turn 18.
She’s Not Like Other Moms

By Anonymous

Since I’ve been in care, I can like my mom more because I need her less.
Twice a Refugee

By Anonymous

I fled an arranged marriage to be LGBTQ in the U.S., but I wasn’t safe from ICE. So I fled again, to Canada.
Inner Space

By Rylynn Walters

The solitude of my own room gives me the freedom to discover myself.
Red Reborn

By Emily Cancel

Therapy shows me that emotions aren’t weapons to be feared but rather signals to be understood.
Hoodies Hide the Bruises

By Emily Cancel

When I ran away from abuse, I found a place of love.
Cash, Community, Possibility

By Ean Soh

100 former foster youth received $1,000 a month for a year. How did it change their lives?
Never Too Young to Be an Advocate

By J.C.

In just a few short months, I’ve learned a lot about my rights in foster care and made my life better.

Emphasis is on the yellow-shirted writer holding a pencil and another person holding a pen reading the laptop screen

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