The Power of One Healthy Connection

I currently serve as the Special Projects Coordinator at the Youth Law Center, where I use both my lived experience and professional expertise to drive policy reform and advocate for systemic change that centers the voices and needs of youth in foster care. 

My journey began when I entered the foster care system at just 7 years old. Like many young people in care, I faced constant instability, frequent moves, changing schools and the emotional toll of being separated from my family. But in the midst of that, I was fortunate to receive Wraparound services, which became a true turning point in my life. 

Through Wraparound, I was connected with an incredible service provider named Jessica Owens. Jessica was more than just a service provider; she was a consistent, trusted adult who showed up for me when few others did. When we first met, Jessica was a Wraparound youth partner. She brought the lens of her own lived experience into her role and introduced me to alternative, trauma-informed forms of healing that went beyond traditional talk therapy. Through equine therapy, creative expression and a range of enrichment activities, I found ways to process my experiences, rebuild my confidence and start to heal emotionally. These opportunities gave me more than just support; they gave me hope, belonging and a path forward. 

Jessica’s unwavering presence and belief in my potential had a lasting impact. She helped me explore my interests and encouraged me to try new things. Her support didn’t just help me survive the “system;” it motivated me to change it. I wanted other youth in care to have access to the same kind of compassionate, empowering and individualized support that helped me thrive. 

That drive led me to begin my advocacy journey at just 14 years old with California Youth Connection (CYC), where I joined other young leaders in using our voices and stories to push for legislative and policy changes. At CYC, I found purpose and power in advocacy. I built my platform around one of the things that helped me most: ensuring all youth in care have access to enrichment activities and extracurriculars without unnecessary barriers. 

After nearly eight years of dedicated advocacy, we are finally seeing a shift in state priorities. The inclusion of Strength-Building Dollars in California’s new Tiered Rate Structure marks a significant victory for our movement. If implemented as promised, these funds will be life-changing for young people in care, giving them opportunities to build identity, community and confidence through activities that foster connection, healing and joy. 

Now, in my role at the Youth Law Center, I continue this mission every day. I work to ensure that all youth in care, not just a lucky few, have access to the kinds of support and relationships that helped me survive and succeed. Thanks to people like Jessica Owens, I found my voice, and now I’m using it to fight for a foster care system that truly centers youth, invests in their strengths and supports their full potential.

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Be sure to read the companion article from the perspective of Jessica Owens: The Ripple Effect.