Missouri

Faith Sharp, age 23 Pronouns: She/Her 5 years in Missouri foster system Faith is from Springfield, Missouri. She is a senior at Missouri State University, pursuing a Political Science degree with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership. Faith enjoys volunteering at her local food bank and is the fundraising chair of... Read more

Ayanna Collier She/Her/Hers 19 Years Old Missouri Foster Care System Ayanna is currently working on a degree in Psychology at St. Louis Community College. She hopes to become a Trauma Psychologist that inspires people with difficult experiences to turn them into something positive in the world. She enjoys walking, reading,... Read more

Alex Oleson is currently a member of the Youth Engagement Committee for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) under Assistant Secretary Johnson and Associate Commissioner Milner. During this time, Alex will help inform the larger community on barriers to permanency under the “ALL-IN Foster Adoption Challenge”. Alex gains knowledge... Read more

Weston Charles - Gallo 2 years in Missouri Child Welfare System 21 years old He/him/his Weston entered the foster care system at age 14 when his biological parents neglected him for identifying as gay. Weston experienced hospitalizations, shelters, and foster home placements. After 1 year in the system Weston forever... Read more

Tasheona spent 2+ years in the State of Missouri’s foster care system. Tasheona was placed in care with her older brother when she was 16 years old, and remained with him until she began college. In school, she was part of Career Community Leaders of America (CCLA) and volunteered by... Read more

Ashley Henry, age 18, spent 5 years in Missouri’s Child Welfare system. Ashley entered care at 13 years old and experienced a total of 10 placements. During her time in care, she became a mother to a beautiful baby boy. Amongst all the adversity and stress experienced from being in... Read more

Faith Burtenshaw, age 19, spent seven years in Missouri’s Child Welfare system. Faith first entered foster care in 2003 and then again in 2012. The first time she entered care she had gone to 3 homes; a temporary placement, a boys and girls shelter, then a regular foster home. The... Read more

Jasper Gain Age: 23 Pronouns: She/her/hers Jasper Is attending school at Missouri State University. She plans on graduating in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in International History and a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Her emphasis is Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, so... Read more

Alecia Bennett has spent 10 years in the Missouri foster care system. Alecia was in 6 different placements during time in care. Alecia is the President of her local Youth Advisory Board, and holds the position on the Missouri State Youth Advisory Board. Alecia enjoys volunteering for her church. Alecia... Read more

Latreace Ward has been in the foster care system in the state of Missouri since the age of five. Latreace and her brother were taken care of by a family friend who later received power of attorney. Currently in a Transitional Living Program where she was able to get support... Read more