Aspen is an 18-year-old high school senior who is beautiful inside and out.
She attends Richard King High School and plays the bass clarinet in the band. Plus, her course load is challenging – she’s taking several advanced college courses to earn 15+ college credits by the time she graduates in May 2016.
Aspen participated in BCFS’ Preparation in Adult Living (PAL) program and did extremely well, according to Marco Gonzalez, BCFS PAL Facilitator. The PAL program helps youth from the foster care system prepare for life on their own after foster care. Statistically, youth like Aspen who have spent time in foster care are more likely to face unemployment, poverty, and a host of other challenges. As PAL assignments were given, she stepped up, took the lead and assisted others – without being asked.
“BCFS gave me the knowledge and upper-hand when it comes to Life Skills classes. The classes helped me understand and work through my relationships with others. I now have the knowledge and skills I need to handle most situations.”
– Aspen
Aspen works part-time and has learned the value of “paying herself first” through responsible banking and savings, according to her case manager Irene Martinez. She recently purchased her first car, a red Hyundai Tiburon of which she is extremely proud – and she even has a healthy savings set aside.
Aspen has grand plans for her future after graduation. She will go to college to pursue her dream of earning a degree in education with a minor in writing.
Get Involved
You can make a difference in the lives of youth like Aspen. Donate to BCFS Health and Human Services to support life-changing programs like BCFS’ PAL.
