In this episode of “Every Step of the Way,” Children’s Aid leaders Rodney Lee and Brenda Triplett talk with alumnae Kimberly Mercedes and Tauryian Sparrow about the educational experiences and outcomes of young people in foster care. Kimberly Mercedes, a sophomore at Hunter College majoring in clinical psychology, shares how consistent support helped her overcome the instability that is often associated with foster care and stay on track toward her goals.

After years of homeschooling, Tauryian Sparrow entered both public school and foster care at 16 years old. While coping with the loss of her father, she found mentorship, support, and critical resources through Children’s Aid that helped transform the course of her life.

Together, their stories highlight how young people can thrive after foster care when resilience is matched with meaningful support, access to opportunities, and caring adults who stand beside them every step of the way.

In episode 4 of “Every Step of the Way,” Children’s Aid leaders Sarah Jonas and Casper Lassiter have an illuminating conversation with alumna Judy Edwards, who reflects on growing up at the Stephen Foster Community Center in Harlem, where mentorship and arts programming helped shape her path to college, law school, and community leadership. Judy shares how one supportive environment uplifted not just her, but three generations of her family, giving them all the confidence and courage to pursue their dreams.

This episode explores how Children’s Aid community centers serve as neighborhood anchors, nurturing confidence, opportunity, and generational impact.

What happens when a parent finds not just a program, but a community? In this inspiring episode of “Every Step of the Way,” Children’s Aid leaders Moria Cappio and Margot Sigmone speak with Marlyn Garcia, a mother of two children whose experience in Children’s Aid early childhood programming transformed her confidence and her family’s path forward.

Marlyn shares how home-based and center-based services helped her children hit key developmental milestones and helped her discover her own voice as a new mom. Their conversation shines a light on Children’s Aid’s holistic approach to early childhood, showing how supporting parents and children together builds stronger families and stronger communities.