Real, unedited stories from the young adults who are actively building their bridge to a better future with Independence Pathway.
"One of the things that stood out most to me about Independence Pathway was how personal and genuine the support was. They don't just 'do their jobs' they go out of their way to help."
Whether it's offering rides, helping us find work, or even connecting us with their own community like church or family, it shows how invested they are in seeing people succeed. That kind of personal involvement makes a big difference and builds trust.
They helped create opportunities and build community. They opened doors not just to jobs or programs, but to real connections. That's not something every program offers. Independence Pathway feels like a bridge, not just a service.
"When I was younger my parents were hooked on drugs and were abusive. Me and my siblings got put into foster care when I was 2 years old. Then we were going back and forth between group homes, living with our grandparents, and going back with our parents in a cycle over and over again until our grandparents in Florida adopted us. We moved to Florida when I was 10.
When I turned 18, I was in an extended foster home. Before that, I had just gotten out of jail because I made a stupid decision. DCF lost most of my belongings, and my case manager got in touch with a local church. They helped me get the money to replace some of my stuff. Adam and his pastor brought me the money, and Adam offered me an internship at his office.
I started working with Adam and started meeting more and more people who have helped me throughout my life whenever I need it. Even though they can't always help, they still try to find a way.
Independence Pathway has been a great experience, and I'm grateful to be a part of it. Everyone at Independence Pathway has helped me and talked to me about life lessons. They call and check up on us. They talk to you when you have stuff going on, and they don't judge you about it. Overall, Independence Pathway is a great, loving, supportive group.
The thing I like most about them is how they always come together to figure something out instead of trying to do it by themselves. They stick together and keep a positive mindset.
Everyone has helped me in the group. Adam helped me by giving me a job, advice and opening a transition home. Jeanne helped me figure out my finances and hot to budget. Brittany helped me figure out all the stuff for my GED. Tony helped me get enrolled in school. The whole group has helped me with way more than I can put into words.
Using this opportunity, I plan on bettering my life, getting involved in the community, learning new life skills, and finding a better job that I like.
I want to go to college and start a mechanic shop. I want to have my own company by the time I'm 30.
Throughout my whole life, I've been in and out of foster homes and group homes, and none of them gave the love and support that Independence Pathway has. They keep checking on you and giving you lectures when you need them. Even though you don't always want to hear it, those talks actually help."
"My experience here at Independence Pathway has been surprising. Expecting nothing more than a normal home like any other after turning 18 in foster care, I did not expect to live this peacefully. To sum up foster care before coming here: chaos. I was so used to my six-kid home being louder than a fighter jet that I wasn't used to quiet. Other than the check-ins from Independence Pathway, living here is 100% private, and you have the freedom to live your life. My two roommates are the best I've had out of all my time in foster care, and the home feels just like any other. My opinion on Independence Pathway is that you won't believe everything they tell you about the program until you experience it yourself.
The group they have put together is filled with respect. I can bet cold hard cash that you'll never hear these people say anything negative, and you won't stay in a negative mood when you're around them. It's like being in a room full of wholesome people who are only here because they genuinely want to help you. They are some of the best and most respectful people I've ever had the chance to be around.
I excel in sports, and my #1 is football. My biggest hobby is, without a doubt, anything involving football. All my life I have been fascinated with the game, and because of that I now want to pursue a future in NFL broadcasting and statistics."
"I got into the foster care system after getting in trouble when I was 16 years old. I regret it, but since then I've been doing good. I heard about Independence Pathway because of another kid I knew in a group home, and I really wanted help to become independent.
My experience has been good here, and I love the team. They are like a family to me. They are so kind, and it is so much fun to be here. I get help every time I have a problem or don't know what to do, and it has been amazing.
My goal is to become a successful person and no longer need the help. I want to go to college or trade school to learn video game design because I love video games.
Independence Pathway helps you a lot while also teaching you to be independent and do many things on your own. This place is like having a great new family."