Serena: Member

CYC has had a stupendous impact on my life. I would credit CYC for giving me the confidence to speak out about issues in the foster care system and advocate for myself. I’ve learned so many skills in CYC. I wouldn’t be the person I am today had I not met CYC when I was 17, shortly after I entered care. I really believe it has empowered me to become an extraordinary individual. I get to help others in the foster care community. CYC gives us the chance to interact with each other and brainstorm solutions to problems in this system which is so broken that it disadvantages us on so many levels. I get to do work that I love and am very passionate about. I’m so grateful to have that experience. CYC has allowed me to have different types of experiences and opportunities. I get to speak to legislators and assembly members. I get to advocate for other foster youth who don’t know they can use their voice for good. CYC has very much shaped the individual that I am, especially when it comes to helping other people problem-solve, and how to love other people who have commonalities with me, having been in foster care and experienced trauma.

CYC has been such a blessing in my life. I don’t know who I would have been had I not come across CYC. This organization means a lot to me. I have the heart and soul for it. I’m very thankful that I’m part of it.