Because of your support, Sam* doesn’t have to face challenges alone.

Sam came to live with us this year after aging out of foster care. He describes himself as someone with a good sense of humor who likes to interact with people. Sam is a freshman in college and hopes to have a career in human services. “I want to help younger generations know they have a voice,” he says.

It’s his goal because he knows what it feels like to have no voice.

Sam grew up in foster care and has a physical disability—challenges that he tackles with his signature determination. Sam worked hard to graduate from high school, an accomplishment that came during a difficult time. The same week he graduated, his foster dad passed away.

As Sam processed his loss, he found a new creative outlet: writing music. “Music has always been a hobby of mine. It helps the words come out a little easier,” Sam says.

With support from our staff, Sam is living in an apartment and learning life skills as he transitions into adulthood.

“I’ve become more independent,” Sam says. “It’s still a work in progress. It feels like a wonderful thing.”

“When Sam sees a challenge, he…finds joy in it,” says Jo, his therapist. “He’ll take a situation and say, ‘This isn’t so good, but I can do this!’”

Thank you for helping youth like Sam face challenges with joy and determination. Your support helps Kentucky kids find their voice, build independence and create a brighter future.

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*Sam is a pseudonym. Photos are representative to protect client confidentiality.