Foster care and adoption are a part of my family’s story in many ways, inspiring me to help youth who are especially vulnerable within the foster care system. Sixteen years ago, I connected with Raise the Future, and I’ve been continually impressed with their focus on connecting youth in foster care with stable adults, as well as how they’ve grown to support families.  

Raise the Future knows success takes many forms, and they create the best opportunities for youth and families to reach their version of success. I’ve been grateful to support Raise the Future with a recurring gift, volunteer with Family Support, and connect youth with fun, free opportunities here in Denver, and I look forward to being a Camp Buddy at Family Connection Camp next summer! 

As I’ve gotten more involved with Raise the Future, I’ve reflected deeply on my family’s foster and adoption stories. My grandmother aged out of the foster care system and showed me the importance of family. She knew this was a gift not everyone receives. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law were both adopted. Along with my grandmother, they modeled a persistent commitment to making others feel loved and connected across generations.  

This model has served as an inspiring example for me to follow. Raise the Future is the best way for me to ensure their legacy lives on through stability, love, and support for many young people. I don’t need to meet these children firsthand to know they have everything they need, a family, and all the indescribable joy and opportunity that comes with it, is within reach because they are with Raise the Future.  

I’m grateful to all the organizations working together to ensure children stay connected to caring adults, no matter the challenges they face or the circumstances that arise. When we make a genuine effort to advocate for children and the adults who step up for them, we do much more than take responsibility; we respect their humanity and heal generational wounds beyond what we can imagine or predict years into the future.  

If you want to make a difference far beyond our “now” and raise the bar for youth in foster care, I invite you to join me in supporting Raise the Future. 

Visit RaiseTheFuture.org to learn how you can give, volunteer, or get involved.