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Youth Spotlight
Meet Nick. He is 17 and has been in foster care for the last 3 years. He became involved with Kairos and the Chafee program at the age of 14. Nick is currently in 12th grade and plans to go to college to major in business or finance, and then go on to earn a master’s degree. In his free time, he enjoys skating, skiing, listening to music, and playing video games. Things weren’t always great in Nick’s life. He has struggled in multiple foster placements before finally getting placed with an incredible family in the Spring of 2018. With the support of his foster family and the Chafee program, Nick has made some major academic improvements. He has been able to get really focused and serious in school. He brought his GPA up from a .50 to 3.833. Along with his academic success, he is working a part time job at a local restaurant, and has earned his driver’s license. “It feels really good to achieve and accomplish things in school that I never really could before now. I live with people who truly care about me, and provide for all of my needs. I actually feel like a normal teenager for the first time in my life.” Last June, Nick attended the week-long Reach Higher Montana Summit at the University of Montana with the Chafee program. He lived in the dorms, ate in the cafeteria, attended classes, and got to experience college life first hand. Nick has been accepted at Montana State University, and has been working hard every month in the Chafee program applying for scholarships to help to fund his college career. “Earning scholarships will not only help me financially but it will also help as a great confidence booster, just to know that I can earn scholarships despite what I have been told in the past.” One piece of advice that Nick would like to share with other youth in foster care is: “My advice would be not to give up and always have a positive mindset in whatever you are doing and you are sure to be successful.” We are extremely proud of you, Nick. Keep up the great work. |
Kairos Youth Services is a private non-profit organization that operates three community based youth homes and the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program in North Central Montana. Youth in placement live in a healthy structured environment that provides safety and security. Youth are offered educational, social, cultural and recreational opportunities. They receive personal guidance, supervision, individual and family counseling, and referral to appropriate community resources. Youth exit our programs with improved school performance, fewer legal problems, and the skills necessary to become productive members of our community. A United Way Supported Service
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