Kids who "age out"

Central Dallas Ministries works with youth who "age out" of Texas foster care programs at age 18. We refer to our program as TRAC--Transition Resource Action Center. Led by program director, Evy Kay Ritzen, our TRAC team staffs a one-stop shop for these special young people. Over 40% of the youth who age out deal with all sorts of problems such as housing, no high school diploma, employment, mental health issues to name a few. Our staff serves the 19-county CPS region and we staff a smaller office in Fort Worth.

Recently, CNN aired a report on a similar program working in California. It reminded me of TRAC and I thought I should pass it along. Your feedback is welcomed and appreciated.

Kartieaa's Story (and video)

Below is a letter from my friend, Kariteaa, a young man who has been involved with our Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC), a one-stop shop for youth who "age out" of foster care at age 18.

I encourage you to read his letter, and then to hear his story in the attached video.

To watch the video in full screen, click here.

Dear Friend,

My name is Kartieaa, and I entered the foster care system at age 12 after my adoptive parents died in a car accident.

I was moved through 11 homes and wound up in jail before “aging out” of the foster care system at 18. I had no one to turn to and no place to live – until I got connected with Central Dallas Ministries’ Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC).

Now I have an apartment, a job and am taking classes at El Centro College.

Without your support of TRAC, I would probably be on the streets or back in jail.

Thank you for re-writing my future.

Sincerely,

To see more videos about your neighbors, click here.