Ep 52: Youth Ambassador

In this episode of Fostering Conversations, hosts Deborah Lindner and Liz Rivera sit down with 15-year-old Freedom, a foster youth with a remarkable story of resilience, hope, and self-discovery. Freedom opens up about her experiences growing up in the foster care system, finding her forever family, and the challenges of fitting in as the only Black person in her adoptive family.

Highlights:

• Freedom’s Background: Born in Montana, Freedom shares her journey into foster care alongside her brother due to her mother’s struggles with addiction. Placed with multiple families before finding her adoptive parents in Utah, she describes how finding the right family made all the difference.
• Life as a Teen in Foster Care: Freedom discusses the challenges of navigating adolescence as a foster youth, touching on themes of identity, belonging, and her ongoing struggle with self-confidence.
• Powerful Metaphor of the Puzzle: Freedom beautifully describes her life as a puzzle with missing pieces, symbolizing her fragmented memories and the journey of piecing together her identity.
• Representation and Advocacy: Recently named a youth representative for Utah Foster Care, Freedom talks about her desire to be a voice for foster youth, encouraging them to seek support and to not feel alone in their experiences.
• The Importance of Asking for Help: Freedom emphasizes the significance of reaching out for help, even when it feels difficult, reminding listeners that everyone deserves to be supported.
• Extracurricular Activities: From her involvement in marching band to her modeling debut in Impact Magazine, Freedom shares how these experiences have helped her build community, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Teens in foster care often face unique challenges and can benefit from supportive families who understand the importance of stability and connection.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, and foster youth deserve to feel seen, understood, and empowered.
• Foster parenting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and provide a safe and loving environment.

Resources Mentioned:

• For those interested in learning more about foster care or becoming a foster parent, visit utahfostercare.org.

Tune in to hear Freedom’s inspiring story and how she’s paving the way for other foster youth to find their voice and shape their future!