MORE THAN Uncovering Untold Stories of Youth Through Art
EBONY
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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 Ebony 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: Ebony
IDENTIFIES AS: Female, Black
PLACEMENT STATUS:
On 2nd placement, living in foster home
# OF SCHOOL CHANGES: 2 I FEEL CONNECTED TO:
Mom, school counselor, neighbor, brother
WHAT I’VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ME: My mom isn’t a good mom. I had an unstable household. I am out of control. I have ADHD. I can’t focus.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW: I’m scared. I’m confused. My mom is all I have. My mom works a lot to take care of me.
A DAY IN MY LIFE:
All I do is wonder when I’ll see my mom again.
NAME: Ebony
IDENTIFIES AS: Female, Black
PLACEMENT STATUS: Still living in 2nd foster home
# OF SCHOOL CHANGES: 2 I FEEL CONNECTED TO: Foster mom, teacher, friend at school
WHAT I’VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ME: I’m a foster kid. I throw tantrums. I just want attention. I’m disruptive.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW:
I’m still scared. I’ll always feel safer with my mom. I don’t know where my brother is. I’m tired of people telling me I’m better off in this foster home.
A DAY IN MY LIFE:
I go to school meetings. I go to therapy. I long to see my family again.
NAME: Ebony
IDENTIFIES AS: Black, Female
PLACEMENT STATUS: Living in 4th placement, group home
# OF SCHOOL CHANGES: 4 I FEEL CONNECTED TO:
Social Worker, CASA, 2 friends at school, girl at group home
WHAT I’VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ME:
My hair is a mess. I am manipulative. I’ll probably AWOL if I’m let out on a pass. I have ADHD. I am a trouble maker. I am disrespectful.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW:
I think I’m ugly. I’m lonely. I don’t know if my mom is alive. My memories before I came into foster care are starting to fade.
A DAY IN MY LIFE:
I am constantly bullied at school. I am hoping the day will be over. I get told I need to go to therapy.
NAME: Ebony
IDENTIFIES AS: Black, female
PLACEMENT STATUS:
On 10th change, currently living in a higher level group home
# OF SCHOOL CHANGES: 8 I FEEL CONNECTED TO:
CASA, a girl in the group home, previous foster mom, professionals
WHAT I’VE HEARD PEOPLE SAY ABOUT ME: I won’t graduate. There is no hope for me. I’m a hot mess. I’m a problem child. There is no hope for me. I’m hard to place. I’m manipulative. I have no family.
WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW: I’m hurting. I feel so disconnected from my family. Everyone I come to trust, disappears. I’m disgusted with my appearance. I don’t feel lovable.
A DAY IN MY LIFE:
Probably getting suspended because of fighting. I am cutting. I cry a lot. I bully other kids now. I think about running away.
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 DESTINED FOR GREATNESS A SURVIVOR A GOOD FRIEND LOYAL ADVENTUROUS SILLY SMART A SINGER
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.