In her own words: From dependence to independence
Like you and me, our young people live full lives. And like you and me, they have aspirations and dreams that need support and encouragement, especially while navigating the challenges that come with being a young person within foster care.
And, that’s why it’s so exciting when an individual we have served makes time to connect with us. We are thrilled to bring you this conversation with Denisse Perez, an alumna client of ours who went from living in a group home with her two year old daughter to becoming a registered nurse and living in her own home.
Foster Forward (FF): How did you first come into contact with our services?
Denisse: My DCYF [Department of Children, Youth, and Families] case manager thought Foster Forward would be a great help in my life. They set up an appointment to meet with and interview me, as I qualified for a transitional housing program that they had available—dedicated to youth aging out of DCYF. I was currently in a group home with my 2 year old daughter at the time, under DCYF custody.
FF: What was that process like to find housing, using our resources?
Denisse: The process was pretty easy and straightforward. Once approved, I could find any apartment within Rhode Island to live in. Foster Forward visited the apartment in order to inspect and approve it was safe for my daughter and me, which they did. My favorite part was when a couple of the staff members surprised me with furniture for my new apartment and also went shopping for lots of new clothes and other necessities for my baby girl.
FF: How did and does having a safe home support you in your other endeavors? Like with family, school and education, career, and beyond?
Denisse: Oh man. How did it not?! First, the way it impacted my mindset and self love—I actually felt independent, and capable, and empowered to continue progressing in life.
Going from a group home to my own apartment definitely inspired me to continue changing my life for the better and overall motivated me to continue pursuing success.
We were allowed to have a roommate, which I did, and my roommate took care of my daughter while I did double shifts at a nursing home and went to CCRI [Community College of Rhode Island] at the same time. While in the group home, I had obtained my GED and Certified Nursing Assistant License. Having my own place made embracing my new position much more possible and flexible.
FF: Tell us about what you're up to now!
Denisse: The transitional housing program at Foster forward literally helped me transition from a group home to my own home, from a GED to a bachelor's degree, from dependence to independence, and from a “nobody” to an inspiration to others.
Today, with tears in my eyes, I am so grateful to say that I recently graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree from Rhode Island College and I am now a Registered Nurse at Rhode Island Hospital. Foster Forward will always be my angel in disguise and my family.
By now, you likely know that we are participating in Rhode Island’s Day of Giving - 401 Gives - this Friday, Apr 1, 2022. Denisse illustrates how our services impact the lives of young people, one by one, step by step, and we need your help. Every young person deserves a story like this - one where they learn to trust themselves and their aspirations, knowing there are individuals they can lean on for support.
Thank you to Denisse for this interview, and thank you for being a part of this community.
Warmly,
Lisa Guillette,
Executive Director
P.S. Check out Denisse’s Graduation photos from Rhode Island College! Congratulations, Denisse!
