Esa got up early one Wednesday morning to catch the train to Utah Foster Care (UFC) in Murray. Youth and young adults impacted by foster care were gathering for a field trip to three local businesses. Esa felt vulnerable and wasn’t sure he belonged, yet he joined the group as they headed off on their adventure, in hopes of finding connection and guidance.
Stevenson Sylvester (former Ute and professional athlete, current KSL news personality), Nikki MacKay (UFC), Brock Blake (founder and CEO of Lendio), Esa, Ben Davis (President and CRO of Lendio), Amanda Walker (UFC), Kenneth Boggs (CEO at Kenneth Boggs Custom)
A phone call away…
On this Wednesday, Esa found belonging and connection through local businessmen who lifted him up and helped him begin to imagine what kind of life he could create for himself. These men exchanged contact information with Esa and he now has a much larger village of connections he can call on for mentorship and personal life advice, including getting together regularly with UFC Board member and designer Kenneth Boggs to discuss a book they are reading together.
Nikki MacKay (UFC), Esa, Vess Pearson (CEO and co-founder of Aptive Environmental), Amanda Walker (UFC), Kenneth Boggs (CEO at Kenneth Boggs Custom)
“I didn’t really know what was coming next…”
When asked recently about the experience, Esa said “I didn’t really know what was coming next, but I just knew it was going to be amazing”. For Esa, who showed up and quite literally felt like he was all alone, the day left him grateful for everyone he met and the relationships he began building that day.
Your support helped bring this sense of belonging and connection to Esa in 2022. We plan to expand and continue programs like this for young men and women who are looking for a connection and a spark in the year ahead.
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