20 years old

Ashanti was in foster and group homes between the ages of 12-17. Ashanti is proud that she was able to graduate from high school and get her driver’s license after having her son when she was 17. Ashanti inherited a car from a family member and is learning how to make repairs. She would love to pursue a career as an automotive mechanic or as a nurse because she has experience caring for elderly family members. Ashanti has been active at the 412 Youth Zone and Opportunity Passport programs. She has been asked to participate in panels, sharing her experiences as a foster youth with other foster families, teens, and agency workers. In her free time, Ashanti likes to draw and play piano. Ashanti would like support to help her juggle her responsibilities and pursue further education to move into a stable career to support herself and her son and baby due in August.

18 years old

Bri does not currently have an active case with Allegheny CYF but was in foster care as a teen in 2019. Bri works with a Youth Support Coach at the 412 Youth Zone. She graduated high school in 2022 and enjoyed sports like boxing, volleyball, and basketball while in school. Bri now has baby son, and has been pursuing job opportunities in the medical field. Bri also enjoys art and drawing in her free time. She would like support to be able to enroll and start classes in the fall of 2023 and also secure housing for herself and her son. This is what Bri says about the GAP Fund Program, “I like how supportive you guys are, and that you would love to see us reach our goals. You guys are really helpful.”

19 years old

Den’s Allegheny County CYF case was closed when he turned 18, but he was in CYF care for many years of his life. He graduated from Pittsburgh Public Schools and was a mentor in a program for middle school students while there. Den completed a 6 month internship at UPMC while in school. He has also worked as a Youth Coach with the 412 Youth Zone. He is currently taking a “gap year” to save money before beginning college or a nursing program. He would like to pursue courses that will help him start his own bio-tech company. Den practices self-care by running, walking, or taking a day to do something fun for himself, like going to movies or Dave & Busters. He would like some help figuring out how he can make the most of his gap-year, to earn and save money for his future and prepare for college.

23 years old

Stacey was in Allegheny County CYF care from the ages of 11-18. She struggled with truancy since she was young due to her family situation, but she persevered and graduated. She says that she loves math. Stacey is looking for a stable job that will support her. She has her own housing and pays her own bills. She has a driver’s license and would love to save up money for a car to get her to even better opportunities. Stacey is interested in the home health care field because she likes working with older people, and she can see herself owning her own agency someday. She will need further education and certifications to do that. In her free time, Stacey loves to have her nieces and nephew stay with her. She likes to work and stay busy, and she said that buying/collecting shoes is her fun hobby. Stacey would love some supportive adults to help her with adult skills like opening a bank account, making weekly schedules and goals for herself, and even smart grocery shopping skills. Stacey hopes to use what she has learned to be a mentor for other youth. She also enjoys swimming, and being outside.

19 years old

Tresean lives in an independent living apartment through his involvement with Allegheny County CYF. Tresean graduated in 2022 from a charter school, and while he didn’t love school, he really likes science. Tresean said that he has a knack for picking up skills quickly, and he would like to look into a career as an electrician or HVAC technician. Tresean has also worked in landscaping jobs and has enjoyed those outdoor projects. Tresean said that in his free time, he likes to work out at the gym and engage in Bible study. Tresean would like to get his driver’s license and would like to find a trade program to help him with good career.

25 years old

Tyeisha grew up in Philadelphia. She was in the child welfare system there since she was a small child and was separated from her siblings among foster homes. About a year ago, Tyeisha made a brave decision to make a fresh start in her life, and she moved to Pittsburgh. Since that time, she has found a housing program and is started a new job. Tyeisha has been working on building positive connections for herself and utilizing resources available to her. Next up for Tyeisha is earning her GED, getting a driver’s license, and learning to manage her finances well. Tyeisha says this about the GAP Fund Program: “I like the program because I have a voice here, and I learn new things.”

21 years old

Zy earned her high school diploma in 2021. Zy was in Allegheny County CYF care between the ages of 9 to 18 years of age. One of Zy’s CYF caseworkers became her foster caregiver and is still a supportive person in her life. Zy is raising her baby girl and is expecting a second child soon. She is also looking into becoming a certified foster parent. Zy’s longterm career goal is to become a registered nurse. In her free time, Zy loves to read, paint, and write poems. She would love to build some healthy and supportive relationships to help her reach her career and family goals. Regarding the GAP Fund Program, Zy says, “I love everything about it.”