Graduating from college has always been a dream of mine. I have always loved learning and see it as a pathway for a better tomorrow. Whenever knowledge that had a chance of helping me succeed in life was being offered, I went for it. But when it came to affording college, I found that I had a lot to learn about how to keep myself financially stable. Growing up in Maine’s foster care system meant that I couldn’t call home for help with the bills and unexpected expense as I moved toward adulthood. I needed a different form of education that would help me take charge of my own future.
It isn’t always easy for a young person to become a successful adult moving out of the foster care system. Because I moved around so much while in foster care, I ended up graduating from high school at age 19, later than I would have liked. Then two years ago, I turned 21 during my sophomore year of college and officially “aged out” of the foster care system, which meant that I was forced to face adulthood on my own.
Since then, I have found it very hard to hold onto my dream of being academically successful, while also keeping a roof over my head. I increased hours at my job (as a part-time behavioral health professional at SequelCare of Maine) and somehow found time to attend classes and complete my homework.
Throughout my life I have wanted a home — a family I could rely on to support me through my struggles. I have often felt alone and stressed about being on my own to find the resources and supports I need.
Parents of those who aren’t in foster care are typically supportive of their children well into adulthood. In fact, census data shows that more than half of youth ages 18-24 still live with their parents. This is not true for those aging out of foster care. I was lucky, however, to find a Department of Health and Human Services caseworker who helped guide me to the Opportunity Passport program. This program has helped me get the skills I needed to stand on my own.
Through Opportunity Passport, a financial literacy education and matched savings program, I have been able to learn how to budget my money, get a bank account, apply for loans and scholarships, obtain and retain employment, and even file my own taxes. This program is sponsored by the Maine Youth Transition Collaborative (made up of public and private partners from across Maine, and convened and coordinated through University of Southern Maine’s Muskie School of Public Service) and managed by Jobs for Maine’s Graduates. All the people I have met through this program have helped me reach my goals of working toward a bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Maine (which I hope to complete this year) and securing a professional job as a behavioral health professional.
Being financially fit is the foundation for life’s success. Learning to manage my own finances has been a long process, and it often takes sacrifice to stick with it. I have been successful because of the knowledge I’ve gained and the support I’ve received. So many people taught me and supported me, and I thank them as often as I can.
Learning financial skills is important, but having someone to talk to is essential. Could you give some of your time to help a young person gain financial management skills? Could you be a resource for a young person trying to start out as an adult? It could be a small amount of your time, but it could make a world of difference to a young adult.
Jessica Henderson of Bangor grew up in the state’s foster care system and attends the University of Maine.