November 7, 2024

Austin’s early life was marked by instability and loss. As a toddler, he was removed from his parents due to their struggles with drug addiction. He moved through several foster homes, experiencing additional trauma in at least one. Eventually, he stayed with a family for 11 years, but when he reached his early teens, the lasting effects of his childhood trauma became more apparent. Unable to cope with Austin’s growing needs, the family decided they could no longer care for him.

At 13, Austin found himself once again navigating the foster care system. He bounced between three different group homes before arriving at Plummer Youth Promise at age 17, at risk of not graduating high school and with no stable support network in sight.

Pursuing Permanency

From day one at Plummer, Austin was clear about his primary goal: he wanted a family.

Time was not on his side—he was 17, and soon, he would age out of the foster care system. Plummer’s social workers got to work quickly. They learned that the family who had cared for Austin during most of his childhood were no longer willing to parent him, so the team needed to explore other options.

Before coming to Plummer, Austin had taken it upon himself to find his biological family through social media. This became a critical lead. Plummer reached out to both his mother and father and discovered that they had been clean and sober for several years. Though living separately, both parents were eager to reconnect with Austin and take an active role in his life.

They began attending meetings at Plummer and relationships gradually started to rebuild. Austin began visiting each of his parents in their homes, and it became clear that he had a path forward. The plan now is for Austin to move in with his father in the coming months. Both parents have assured Austin that he will always have a home and will never be without family support again.

Building Confidence and Community

When Austin first arrived at Plummer, he struggled with social anxiety and a lack of self-confidence, both deeply rooted in his early trauma. He found it difficult to interact with peers, staff, and teachers. But beneath the anxiety, the Plummer team quickly saw a determined, kind young man who just needed support and guidance.

With the help of Plummer staff, Austin began working on his social skills and self-esteem. His initial belief was that he would never graduate high school. This was challenged with consistent encouragement and tutoring. The Plummer staff never gave up on helping Austin. Thanks to his newfound confidence and hard work, Austin proudly earned his diploma.

After graduation, Austin set his sights on getting a job. Determined to find work, he spent hours practicing interview skills with Plummer staff, persevering through the disappointment of several rejections. His hard work paid off when he secured a job at a large retail store, where he now works 25 hours a week.

Austin has also pushed himself beyond his comfort zone in other ways. He has faced his social fears by participating in activities like stand-up paddling and camping, building a sense of community and accomplishment along the way.

A Bright Future

Austin’s journey has not been easy, but his determination, hard work, and the support of Plummer Youth Promise have given him the tools to succeed. He now has the skills to navigate life’s challenges, a job that gives him pride, and—most importantly—a family he can count on. We are incredibly proud of everything Austin has accomplished, and we know his future is bright.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we’re able to help young adults like Austin achieve their dreams and find permanent, loving homes. Get involved today to support youth in foster care!