Amberlynn’s story is one of resilience, determination and inspiration. Originally from New York state, she grew up with her parents and younger brother. Throughout her childhood, her parents’ relationship was unstable—splitting and reconciling until they ultimately separated. Amberlynn relocated to Florida with her father, but his struggles with substance misuse led to a cycle of instability: moving in and out of foster care, living with family friends and facing difficult circumstances at home. During high school, Amberlynn knew something had to change.

“I didn’t feel safe, and I didn’t feel like anyone was listening,” she recalls. After reporting abuse and navigating complex jurisdiction issues, Amberlynn made a brave decision at just 16 years old—she chose not to return home.

Her turning point came when she connected with a caring adult who later became her foster mom.

“That’s when things really started to turn around,” Amberlynn says. Through therapy, mentorship and guidance from her Guardian ad Litem, she learned about FamiliesFirst Network’s Young Adult Services – a program designed to help youth transition successfully out of foster care.

Young Adult Services provided Amberlynn with the tools to navigate adulthood: planning her move for college, understanding finances, setting up utilities and building confidence for the future. “They helped me with everything—from rent to credit cards to independent living skills. It made me feel supported,” she shares.

A Bright Future Ahead

Today, Amberlynn is thriving. She’s a full-time student majoring in Communications and Journalism, works full-time in property management, writes for her university magazine, and even purchased her first car. Her goals are ambitious: graduate in 2027, attend law school and pursue a career in real estate law.  

When asked what advice she’d give to other youth in foster care, Amberlynn shares two quotes that guided her through the hardest times:
“What you’re not changing, you’re choosing.”
“It’s a bad day, not a bad life.”

She explains, “This is just a chapter, not your whole story.” Amberlynn wants every young person in a difficult situation to know that help is out there, and that change is possible. With the right support and determination, the future can look completely different from the past. Amberlynn’s journey proves that with support, resources and determination, anything is possible.

FamiliesFirst Network’s Young Adult Services team helps youth like Amberlynn prepare for independence and build brighter futures. Learn more about how you can support or get involved.

To help young adults like Amberlynn aging out of foster care, donate to Young Adults Services.