In August 2025, MK came to Foster Alumni Mentors (FAM) searching for something she had rarely experienced—a place where she could be her authentic self, free from judgment. Having recently fled a controlling relationship, MK and her young son had nowhere to go but back to her biological family, the same family whose actions during her childhood had led to her entry into foster care.
While MK takes tremendous pride in being a devoted single mother, returning to this environment brought back painful memories and ongoing judgment that undermined her confidence as a parent. Despite working hard to support her son, MK felt trapped: her financial situation left her with few housing options, and she longed to create a home that was the complete opposite of the one she grew up in.
Determined to change her circumstances, MK applied for housing assistance through the Grand Junction Housing Authority (GJHA) and was approved. But there was a major barrier: she didn’t have enough savings to cover the security deposit on the apartment. Without help, she risked losing this critical opportunity for stability. That’s where FAM stepped in. Partnering with GJHA, FAM provided the financial support needed for MK’s deposit. This collaboration made it possible for MK and her son to move into a safe, stable home of their own, a foundational step toward healing and independence. Today, MK continues to stay connected to FAM, finding community, mentorship, and support as she rebuilds her confidence and learns to trust herself. Without FAM’s assistance, MK might have lost her chance at safe housing. Instead, she and her son are thriving in a home where hope and healing are finally possible.
