Faces of the Door

"Working at The Door allows me to really know my clients, so I can advocate for them in a whole new way." 

Many young people in foster care do not know they are legally entitled to a variety of supports--aid for college, vouchers for housing to help them transition out of care and, in some cases, recourse to become legal permanent residents if they are undocumented.  This is where I come in. With a background in law, I train young people to become Foster Youth Peer Educators (FYPE) and teach their peers about their rights.  
 
In recent years we've seen a rise in the number of foster youth seeking support through our Legal Services Center. I find that what these young people need most isn't only help advocating for their rights, but also someone to listen and validate their experience. Being able to respond to all these needs is what makes The Door unique. Working here, I have the chance to eat dinner with my clients, watch them practice break dancing, celebrate when they get their GED, green card, first job, etc.  It helps me advocate for them--and teach them to advocate for themselves--in a whole new way.