MORE THAN Uncovering Untold Stories of Youth Through Art
BRYCE
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What you are about to read are snapshots of various points in my life in foster care. You will see how much changes for me, how people view me, and what many people are missing about how my life is unfolding. My name is Bryce and these are pieces of my story.
*While sentiments/words from youth are accurate, the details of stories have been changed to maintain client confidentiality.
NAME: Bryce
IDENTIFIES AS: Male, Caucasian
PLACEMENT STATUS: Homeless with mother and sisters
# OF SCHOOL CHANGES: 2 I FEEL CONNECTED TO: Mom, sisters, teacher
WHAT I’VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ME: My mom isn’t a good mom. I’ll never get off the streets. My mom should get a job to get us off the streets. I’m the “homeless” kid at school.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW:
I’ve never met my dad. The streets are the only place I’ve called home. My mom doesn’t work to make sure we’re safe.
A DAY IN MY LIFE:
I go to school if I’m able to catch the bus. I play with my sisters under the bridge in the evenings.
NAME: Bryce
IDENTIFIES AS: Male, Caucasian
PLACEMENT STATUS:
On 3rd placement, in foster home, does not live with sisters
# OF SCHOOL CHANGES: 5 I FEEL CONNECTED TO: Teacher, friends at school
WHAT I’VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ME: I’m a foster kid. My mom can’t take care of me. I’m disruptive. I have ADHD.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW:
I was taken away from my mom when I was 9 years old. I was separated from my sisters. I haven’t seen my sisters or mom in 2 years.
A DAY IN MY LIFE:
I go to school. I go to therapy. I wonder where my family is and when I’ll see them again.
NAME: Bryce
IDENTIFIES AS: Male, Caucasian
PLACEMENT STATUS:
Living in 6th placement, group home
# OF SCHOOL CHANGES: 8
I FEEL CONNECTED TO:
Friends at school, teacher, street family/friends
WHAT I’VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ME: I’m a liability. I can’t be trusted to go out on passes. I’ll probably AWOL if I’m let out on a pass. I’ll end up on the streets again. I won’t make it to my high school graduation.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW:
I’m independent and can take care of myself. I feel a sense of belonging on the streets. I don’t feel like my needs are met in group homes. I’d rather live on the streets than be in group homes.
A DAY IN MY LIFE:
I am constantly bullied at school. I AWOL when I can to get away and clear my mind. I am always in trouble in school and in my group homes.
NAME: Bryce
IDENTIFIES AS: Male, Caucasian
PLACEMENT STATUS:
On 7th change, currently living on the street
# OF SCHOOL CHANGES: 8, currently not attending I FEEL CONNECTED TO:
My dog, street family/friends
WHAT I’VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ME: I’m lazy and don’t want to work. If people give me money, I’d spend it on alcohol. I smell.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW:
I’m hurting. I don’t know if I’ll ever see my mom or sisters again. I won’t return to a group home. I feel like I belong on the streets.
A DAY IN MY LIFE:
I stay awake at night for my own safety. I have to make sure my stuff doesn’t get stolen. I get harassed by the police. I’m hungry.
Although these snapshots capture important parts of my story, they do not accurately depict who I am. I am MORE THAN a case number, MORE THAN an incident report, and MORE THAN the labels that have been put on me. I feel a lot inside and...
I AM RESILIENT STRONG HOPEFUL INDEPENDENT CARING ENOUGH SMART TALENTED LOVED FUNNY
The YMCA of San Diego County is dedicated to improving the quality of human life and to helping all people realize their fullest potential as children of God through the development of the spirit, mind and body.