How did your time in foster care and the residential treatment center inspire you to join AMP?

I was introduced to a lady named Ruth, who is the statewide coordinator for AMP, at an awards ceremony. She told me to give her a call so I did. She met with me and other kids that lived in my house and it all sounded interesting and fun. We never realized that our voices could help other kids in need.

AMP inspired us to tell stories that other kids might have but don’t know they can share.  So, we tell our stories and encourage them to tell theirs so more people know that not everyone is perfect. We all have difficult times and no one should have the right to judge because they haven’t been through the tough lives some of us have lived. I feel that I can help others to tell their story and to never be afraid of being judged because we are all unique in our own way.

In AMP, everyone is on your side every step of the way. Since we have all had similar experiences, everyone can really relate to each other and we feel like family. I can tell other kids that you don’t have to be like your parents and that you can improve yourself each day just by making yourself stronger each day.