Youth Success Stories

Every young person has a story and many of those stories are filled with strength, growth, and resilience.

In this section, we celebrate the journeys of youth who have faced challenges and came out stronger. From overcoming obstacles to reaching personal goals, these success stories are a reminder that change is possible, and you’re never alone on the path to a better future.

Be inspired. Be encouraged. Your story could be next.

Our Youth

"Participating in ILP was the best choice I’ve made for myself. The program assisted me in completing phlebotomy classes and my driver's license. I have a full-time job, a car, and I just moved into my very first apartment on my own. I didn’t have to do it alone because ILP was there to guide me. I’m so thankful to have my ILP worker, Shannon, in my life. I probably would be back on the streets had I not had someone there for me in the way she has been. Shannon has been a big support for me when others in my life walked out. She believes in me and has held my hand through my setbacks and encouraged me to continue moving forward. I only hope other youth coming from the foster care system can see the value in this program and can gain support through the difficulty of navigating adulthood".

- Tatiana Age 22

One of my favorite things about ILP is our Spring Break Camp every year. I’ve been a youth leader for the past 3 years since I started college, and it’s honestly such a great experience. It’s the perfect place to meet new people and also reconnect with friends you’ve seen at past camps. It’s different from other camps because everyone just gets each other because we have foster care in common, so you don’t have to worry about not fitting in—you’ll definitely make friends.

The themes and activities are always really fun, and the food is seriously AMAZING. This year (2026), I even got to help Shannon plan the camp, which was super cool. It also made me realize how much work actually goes into it. It’s not as easy as it looks when you just show up and participate. The ILP staff really put in a lot of effort to make it special for everyone. Being part of Spring Break Camp has also helped me figure out what I want to do in the future. I realized I want to work with teens in foster care after college, and now I have some real experience I can add to my resume.

-Michael Age 21

The resources and support that the Independent Living Program provides are immense. Since working with ILP I’m no longer homeless, I’ve obtained job skills, opened a bank account, got my vehicle fixed and running, and got my phone set up and service paid for a year! Shannon, my ILP worker has helped me with so much, but more importantly taught me many skills to be able to accomplish things on my own. I know I can come to my ILP worker with anything, and our relationship feels less like a caseworker interaction and more like a family member or supportive adult, as sometimes she’s the only one to wish me a Happy Birthday or Merry Christmas. I am forever grateful for Shannon and ILP!

-Naomi Age 22

Our Youth

The Independent Living Program has helped me in a lot of ways. I joined ILP as a senior in high school, but at that time in my life I wasn’t sure what the next step for me after high school was. I didn’t know if I wanted to go to a 4 year and I didn’t know how to pay for school. I felt lost. ILP has set a future up for me. Now I'm a sophomore in college at Chemeketa Community College and I will be transferring to Western Oregon University in the fall! But that’s not all ILP has helped me with; it’s also helped me with situations at home. My ILP worker Katie helped when I got into a scary accident and totaled my car and helped me with my debt. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be in this program!

-June Age 20

ILP and my worker are the best supports I have had in my life for a while. They have helped tremendously by making me feel secure both financially and mentally . My ILP worker Katie was the best fit! She is a really good listener and always there for me . Katie has helped even on her days off, making sure I know I am supported and safe. She always shows up and has taken many chances on me when most others have given up. I met her 2 years ago and without her I would not have a phone, apartment, or car . She helped realize that I can be a successful adult by making smart choices with my life. I’m so grateful to have ILP in my life, it’s made a huge impact, and I don't know what I would do without my Katie 🤍

- Ariel Age 18

I have been involved in the Independent Living Program (ILP) since I was 17 years old and have worked with Polk Youth Services for the past 2 years, which has had a tremendous impact on my life. Through ILP's support, I was able to move into my own apartment, return to school with the help of a laptop, secure employment, learn budgeting skills through Chafee housing assistance, and get connected with therapy services. Although being involved with DHS can sometimes feel overwhelming and uncertain, ILP consistently provided me with guidance, encouragement, and stability. After experiencing multiple caseworkers and ILP specialists over the years, having the same ILP worker through Polk Youth Services for the past two years gave me a sense of consistency and trust. Building rapport with someone new can be difficult, but my ILP worker, Katie, gained my trust by always showing up and supporting me through many important moments in my life, both positive and negative. I am extremely grateful for the support ILP has provided because it has helped me grow into a successful adult.

-Leslie Age 23