How A Foster Teen Overcame the Odds to Become Student of the Year

Imagine not having a stable place to call home; no permanent bed to sleep in, no consistent support system to rely on. This life of uncertainty and hardship was Shannon’s reality at 17 years old, until she was placed in foster care in April of 2022.

Prior to entering foster care, she would couch-surf and stay with friends and family whenever possible. Her home life was very dysfunctional, and her mother would often kick her out. This left her in a constant state of instability.

Despite these challenges, Shannon was determined to take care of herself and her younger sister, who was also in a foster care placement. However, it wasn’t until she was connected with Victor services that she was able to start building a more stable and hopeful future for herself.