#GreaterThan Series
Real Stories From Foster Youth.
Why #GreaterThan?
#GreaterThan is a storytelling series built on the beliefs that:
Every foster youth is greater than the statistics used to define them.
Every young adult has the power to be greater than the circumstances they were born into.
And all of us have the chance to be greater today than we were yesterday.
These aren't inspiration stories for the sake of it. They're proof that the statistics were never the whole story.
If you have experience in foster care, we’d love to hear your story.
Whether you’re reflecting on your experience in or aging out of foster care, sharing where you are today and what you’re working toward, or celebrating a recent win you’re proud of, your story matters—and we want to hear it.
As a thank you for sharing, we’ve partnered with One Simple Wish, an organization that grants wishes up to $425 to individuals impacted by foster care. Our team will submit a wish on your behalf as a small token of our appreciation.
Get Started
Meet the Voices of #GreaterThan ↓
Destiny Ness
"If you're in foster care now, keep your head up. It may look dark and gloomy now but there is a light. Try and find positives in your situation because dwelling on all the negatives makes it seem a whole lot worse!"
Terri Zerbe
"I am here to tell you YOU ARE LOVED! You don't need those people who have hurt you repeatedly, you don't need their love or approval. If you are in foster care, this time of your life will end... you won't be abused forever. Once you love yourself, nothing can ever bring you down!"
Cristal Harris
"The foster care system taught me to be my own advocate. I felt like I didn't have anyone that cared about me, about my life, or about the things I was concerned with. I learned to be my own advocate. I had to fight tooth and nail to be recognized and respected. It was a learning lesson that served me well — now as a law student, I do the same things for my clients."
Carla Trier
"The world taught me that there is a God who loved me enough to do what was best for me no matter how much it hurt at the time. The foster care system taught me that there are people in the world who care and who will make sacrifices just to let you know you are important and valuable."
Harmony Bridgewater
"Today, I appreciate everything that I have been through and fully understand that everything happens for a reason. I believe in positive energy and karma so I try to take every bad and see the good in it.”
Jazmen Hawthorne
"But from the system, I learned it was my right to participate in decisions made about me. I learned to be strong and stand up for myself and advocate for others. Ask questions! ‘Nothing about you without you.’ If you don't know something, ask. If you're confused, ask. Know that your voice matters. Know you have rights and you deserve to know what's going on with YOU!”
Jaemmie Cañas
“For any outburst I was put in isolation with a straitjacket and shot up with thorazine... I now have the most amazing mentors, friends, professors, supervisors, and confidence I have ever had. Allow others in to help you lay the bricks to all the roads you want to build for your journey.”
Annika Taber
"Whatever you do, just don't give up. Never stop trying to be a better person than you were the day before, never stop trying new things, and never ignore an opportunity that comes your way because you don't think you're good enough. You ARE good enough, and you deserve more than what the system gave you.”