Latest news with #NationalFosterYouthInstitute
CBS News
a day ago
- General
- CBS News
From a foster home to a doctors office, how a Minnesota man defied the odds
Curious to learn more about foster care in Minnesota, here's what you need to know Curious to learn more about foster care in Minnesota, here's what you need to know Curious to learn more about foster care in Minnesota, here's what you need to know Only 3-4% of former foster youth obtain a four-year college degree according to The National Foster Youth Institute. When WCCO met Michael Kelly a few years ago, he was a young student bucking that trend. He had not only graduated but had started medical school. WCCO sat down with Kelly again, to reflect on his childhood growing up with Duluth, Minnesota where his life was forever changed by a court-assigned worker. Here's the full story: Life can change an in instant. For Michael Kelly, his life changed when a worried court-assigned worker found out he was living in a cold garage and eating out of a shoebox. "[the worker] said, "That's not what life is supposed to be, we are gonna put you in a foster home," Kelly recalls. Eventually at 17 and a half, Kelly moved out of that foster home and became homeless. "I was a transient, couch surfer," said Kelly. Amidst the rockiness, he'd always found stability in school. Kelly got a scholarship to St. John's University. "During college, I always had to find opportunities, during Spring break, winter break find places to stay. I didn't have a place, I didn't have a bedroom, I didn't have – the next day wasn't planned out for me it was just surviving," said Kelly. Against all odds, he got in to Medical school at the University of Minnesota. But things got rocky again... "I actually failed my first medical school test, by one point, I was devastated by 69%, needed 70% to pass and I was like, 'I am done,'" said Kelly. But he didn't let that derail him. Kelly didn't just adjust, he thrived, helping launch a mentorship organization to support first generation students. "I finally feel like I am in a position where I can give back. It took a lot of support from my village, but I am finally at the point I can give back and give to the community," said Kelly. He explained the most emotional moment. "Getting into Mayo was just something that blew my mind, extremely emotional for me," said Kelly. A surprise that was recently revealed on residency match day. "It was trials and tribulations but focusing on the why got me to where I am today and I am going to Mayo in two months, to be a doctor," said Kelly. Kelly walked, and the people who've walked beside him, cheered, including his wife, who he met in college, and her family. Kelly's mother-in-law said, "He's just a good person and it comes through in everything that he does." Kelly's oldest friend, Mona Zeidan said, "He was very much a people pleaser and I'm not surprised he became a doctor, I am really not. He used to say when we were kids that he was gonna be a doctor and we'd chuckle about it and he did it, he did it." YES, he did. Kelly told WCCO, "I think at the end of the day I just want my patients to feel seen, valued and loved." So after years of discomfort, this doctor is devoted to truly making make others feel good. Kelly chose family medicine and wants to practice in a rural area. He says what he loves about that is that you can serve patients of all ages starting at birth and have long-term relationships.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Montana non-profit launches statewide movement to address foster care crisis
Mar. 21—A Montana nonprofit is calling for urgent action this May, launching a statewide movement to recruit more families to foster the thousands of children crowding the state's foster care system. The number of children in Montana still waiting for a family currently outnumbers the families available to care for them by two-to-one. In response, Child Bridge, a nonprofit dedicated to finding and equipping families to care for children who've suffered abuse and neglect, is launching a statewide recruiting initiative in honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month in May. There are currently around 2,000 children in Montana's foster system. Without intervention, these children are at serious risk of falling victim to sex trafficking, substance abuse, teen pregnancy and homelessness, according to the National Foster Youth Institute. "These kids aren't looking for a superhero. They're looking for you," says Eric Basye, Executive Director at Child Bridge. "You don't have to be special to change a child's life. You just have to be willing." The movement, themed "You don't have to be a superhero to be a foster parent," seeks to dispel the myth that only extraordinary people can foster. Every child deserves a safe and stable family, and ordinary people—people just like you—can change real lives. Starting in May, Child Bridge is calling on churches across Montana to host a Foster Awareness Sunday—a dedicated time to highlight the urgent need for foster families, share resources and encourage families to consider fostering. By hosting a Foster Awareness Sunday, churches can play a direct role in addressing the foster care crisis and ensuring the children in their own communities find the families they desperately need. Child Bridge believes that by mobilizing communities and families, we can break the generational cycle of trauma that currently holds our state captive. "There's no such thing as a perfect parent, and there's never a perfect time to foster," Basye adds. "Montanans take care of Montanans and these kids need your help now." How You Can Help Churches: Host a Foster Awareness Sunday in May to educate and inspire your congregation. Individuals & Families: Attend a free, virtual info meeting to learn more about becoming a foster parent. Community Members: Spread the word. Encourage families you know to consider fostering and to learn more. For more information about joining the movement, hosting a Foster Awareness Sunday or becoming a foster parent, please visit or contact Mary Cloud Vander Ark.
