Jose has been enrolled in AFFCF’s Keys to Success (KTS) program for 10 months and is already on a path to success and independence. His resilience, kindness and determination have not only propelled him forward, but also positioned him a role model for the younger individuals in his group home. Despite experiences the challenges of growing up in foster care since the age of seven, Jose continuously strives to set a positive example for others.
A Rough Patch
Throughout his time in care, Jose found it difficult to handle emotions in a positive way. Playing basketball was a way for him to do that. Despite the positive outlet, Jose lost focus, started hanging out with the wrong crowd and ended up on probation. He eventually stopped communicating with his Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) caseworker and his whereabouts were unknown for over six months.
When he was placed in a group home in Mesa, he began attending a performing arts high school. Soon Jose began to enjoy school again and joined the basketball team. Being on the team motivated him to get good grades so he could continue playing basketball. In the off season, he joined the school track team and continued dribbling a basketball every chance he could get.
Preparing for the Future
Jose joined Keys to Success to get a job to help him prepare for his future. Often children and youth in foster care do not have access to their vital documents (birth certificate, social security card, etc.) needed to prove identity. Because he didn’t have his state ID to prove his identity for employment and he was on probation, it was difficult to find employment.
At first Jose was hesitant and discouraged. While his KTS team worked together with the group home where he was living and his DCS caseworker to make sure he could get his state ID, his employment development specialist helped him create a resume, learn job search techniques and prepare for potential interviews. Once he received his state ID, the doors for employment opportunities began to open.
A New Outlook
Jose began to see that if he accepted the support available to him and continuously worked toward his goals, anything was possible.
His dedication to basketball landed him an invitation to join a summer club basketball league. With the help of AFFCF he was able to participate in the league, traveling to California and New Mexico over the summer. His dream is to one day play in the NBA and has explored other sports-related careers. According to his KTS career development specialist, Jose is a hard worker with a positive attitude and outlook. He successfully completed his probation and reached graduate status (completed two education goals and one employment goal) in the KTS program.
Invaluable Support
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation’s Keys to Success program is designed specifically to help young people ages 16 to 26 who are transitioning out of foster care. This program provides career guidance, education support, employment development services, and essential life skills training, all aimed at empowering participants to attain both personal and financial independence. What sets KTS apart is its dynamic approach, where our dedicated staff deliver these critical services within the community, aligning with the availability and schedules of the young adults. This adaptability truly makes Keys to Success an invaluable, one-of-a-kind program.
Help young people in foster care face the challenges of aging out of foster care head on by donating to AFFCF. Doing so not only contributes to positive outcomes for this underserved population, but also gives you a dollar-for-dollar credit on your Arizona state taxes, up to $1,051 for couples and $526 for individuals. You win. Kids win. Give today!