Defying the Odds: How Luis is Building His Future

A Childhood of Constant Change

Luis knows what it means to start over. He’s done it too many times to count.

“I’ve been in foster care since I was 11 years old,” he shares. “I’ve been in eight or nine foster homes and three residential facilities. I was always moving, so I never got close enough to anyone to talk about what I was going through. I just bottled it up until it all exploded.”

Taking Steps Toward Independence

Luis entered our Transitional Living for Youth in Foster Care program, where he showed maturity and determination beyond his years. While most youth transition into the program at 18, Luis was granted early entry at 17 because of his strong work ethic.

“I had to show them that I could take care of myself, that I could get to school and work on my own,” he explains. “If you work, you’ll get what you need. If you don’t, you won’t make it anywhere in life. I’ve always believed that.”

Staying Focused on His Goals

Despite the instability of his past, Luis stayed focused on school. He balanced classes with a demanding work schedule, often putting in 25–30 hours a week. To stay on the right path, he kept himself busy with hobbies like basketball and exploring the outdoors.

But for Luis, success meant more than surviving. It was about proving something to himself and others. “A lot of foster kids hear that they won’t go anywhere, that they won’t make it in life… so to this day, I will remain determined to prove everybody wrong.”

Looking Ahead with Determination

Luis graduated from high school with A’s and B’s. He’ll be heading to State Tech to pursue a career as a lineman. For him, achievement isn’t just about personal success—it’s about setting an example for others, especially his younger brother.

“I want to prove to my younger brother that he can do whatever he sets his mind to, no matter who he’s around.”

Luis’ journey is a powerful reminder that with resilience and support, young people in foster care can rewrite their stories and build a brighter future.