I aged out of foster care. My parents simply didn't want me as an adolescent. I had no support system after and had dealt with homelessness on and off since. Kids need support and someone that cares!
How can your parents simply not want you, were you misbehaving and they couldn't control you? Children have a right to support but children have a right to do the right thing, be trainable and obedient.
We as a country have failed all foster children. Wow, you are dealing with issues that many adults are unable to navigate . Can't wait to see what you become a lawyer, à Doctor, even à advocate for future foster care kids, group homes, or any kid in need. You are the pioneering light! 😊😊😊😊😊
They go hungry on the weekend????? The stupid-advisor knows this; the kids have told this person they don’t eat when he is not there on the weekends. And that person does nothing???? That person goes home and has dinner knowing they left hungry kids behind????? I’m so mad right now
Amen halleluYah God is good and He is merciful guiding leading amazing blessins amen you are blest amen and amen again halleluYah kamfo Yehowa Jesus Yesu Kristos ameno uminom wɔta o’ buhay ❤
I think that’s the root of the problem. This being told to foster kids either by rewarding their suffering with strength or putting them down for not being strong enough.
I wish the interviewer would ask her, What does she want to become because if she went to school she could escape this group home and begin a whole new life for herself. God has a plan for everyone like me, you, and this young lady, and we all have a calling, and a purpose in this life to fulfill. This is not the end of the story for Christina.
I was a former foster youth. It's been a struggle always being in survival mode constantly struggling with basic needs with no safety net to fall back on.
So, kids raised in foster care face the same situation going out into the world as someone who has been incarcerated. How messed up is that? God bless the people at Hearts to Homes for helping young people get the helpful launch into the world that every kid deserves.
Well that's an odd comparison.. I can see where you're coming from. Kid's forcefully or deceitfully removed from their homes over medicated told they have a new mom and dad foster mom foster dad and when they fight their ideology are further medicated. Because the kids must have a mental problem If they want their bio aka real parents.. I can accept your point of view probably in like 80 percent of Foster care kidnappings.
@@CherylRyanRoberts They are incarcerated. Being trafficked, labeled, drugged, abused, SA'ed, and etc while being locked up is incarceration. I don't know why ppl act like there's a difference in these systems, which are all connceted
I can completly have these same feelings. Maybe we should connect single women, mid-60s, struggling to get by and all alone with a young vibrant “aging out” young person ! It brings Oxygen and Sunshine into our lonely lives! It will keep us feeling young and connected and caring for a young person who needs all the tlc we still have to give
That would be nice to meet occasionally and take the kid out for a meal or cover groceries. Sharing a living space? Twenties and sixties are two very different phases of life.
When I was told as a teen that once I was out out of the juvenile detention I would have to go to a group home to live, I ran away at 18. This was in the 1960's when the age of adulthood was 21. I left Minnesota and never looked back. It was difficult and many problems were still in my future. BUT I'm now 75, I've got adult children, adult grandchildren and I'm very happy to have 10 great-grandchildren. I was in foster care starting as an infant, adopted, then again in foster care, unadopted, and a runaway. But I am still alive!
It is not about reforming but foster care awareness. Getting more families to open their home to fostering children. Maybe the government could make it more appealing so as to encourage more families.
It's sad that there isn't an agency that works one-on-one with these young adults. I was a foster child in the 1970's. I had an absent Social Worker. Finally as an adult she came through my check out line at the store I worked at drunk, so Security called her husband. He explained she was indeed an alcoholic. The system is BROKEN all the way around.
Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience. Right now I am volunteering with Dallas CASA. CASA volunteers visit the children in foster care and act as their advocate in the courtroom. I have defiantly seen a lot of Social Worker get burnt out or move on to other things. And I feel the CASA program helps make things a little less broken. I would love any advise you have for me to make sure the child I am advocating for gets their voice heard. I know as an adult you can often look back at your childhood and see things you did not see as when you were younger. I would love to make sure all their needs are met both mental and physical.
I was in Foster care in the 1950's. The system was broken then and it remains Broken Today. As you said in the 1970's your Social Worker was absent, I'm not surprised, because they would make a brief appearance maybe once a year to speak with only 1 or both foster parents. They never made the time to speak with the foster child one-on-one even at an early age just to see if things were okay or if there were any problems at the foster home. So as you said it is sad, that there is NO Agency that works one-on-one with these Young Adults. You are 100% correct, the System is BROKEN.
maybe you did, but it seems many dont,and honestly, depending what your best is,it might be one of the things that child hates most and makes them wish they were dead, so really your best can mean nothing,something, and everything, one for 3 different people yet all for the same reason.,maybe it's clothing, schooling, religion, politics, privacy etc etc, no matter how great you think it is,it's some bodies worst nightmare you provide,and most will never feel safe being honest about it,because one word from you destroys everything.
This isn’t about you. And even when foster kids have great foster parents, there is still trauma and hardships they are forced to endure simply because they are not in a stable home. They could get moved at any time to somewhere worse, they don’t “belong”, etc.
She seems so collected. My guess is she "seems" that way, because that's the only way for her to get thru life. There has to be times of fear, whether or not things will be okay at some point, at any point. I wish I could hug her, and look her in the eye and let her know she does matter. There is something to be said for her strength. She is mature for her age. It's certain that's because she's had to be.
Of course she is mature for her age because a lot of times when children go through trauma such as; being in the foster system they have to mature fast, protect& take care of themselves. Further, they didn't have a normal childhood from the start so sad.
@@mrosjoI was going to say this. Ethically, it compromises journalistic integrity unfortunately. There were some photographers who got into a lot of trouble for helping penguins at the NorthPole who were going to die. It’s like being a cop, I just don’t have the mental capacity to not help when I know I can.
I really feel like this beautiful intelligent young lady will be successful. She's strong, she doesn't give up, she has personality. She's gonna be fine, and I hope she'll be fine very soon!
@@seanservo3105Your response doesn’t really make sense. They are already starting from the bottom. Giving them financial support would be the bare minimum for giving them a fair chance in life.
@@SarahTerror.0 and what about all the young people who got their lives going on their own, without free handouts? surely the deserve compensation as well, as they've proven they don't need to rely on someone else. why are deadbeats like this girl getting all the money when actual hardworking people get nothing? it just incentivizes uselessness.
Chrissy, I am so happy to see you with your own place. That has to be a huge relief. Your story touched my heart. I was a foster mother for many years until I adopted a sibling group of three. I hope all the children I fostered know that I truly cared for each of them. I hope someday you start a family of your own. Maybe be a foster parent yourself. You have turned into an intelligent, beautiful woman and you deserve love and stability in your life. God bless you and keep you safe.
I also wanted to make you aware of charities that provide new beds for people who don't have one. I'm not in your area but Google should help you out in your area. Make sure to apply for HEAP, SNAP (food stamps) and free phone, discounted Wi-Fi and utilize food pantries. Hope this helps. ☺
I have no siblings or children, 'unqualified' to adopt yet I fostered teen moms with babies for many years. Now, as a retired senior, I wish I could still adopt a young adult who wants and needs parental support. I've had girls like Christina - and worse. But, this definitely DOES NOT have to happen to kids who spend the majority of their lives as a ward of the court. The whole system makes me sad and angry at the same time.
You are so wonderful and I’m grateful that you’ve had the opportunity to impact so many lives I hope God continues to bless you and I hope you have an amazing summer thank you for my former foster youth that knows how much people like you are needed
@@ddigiorgio8438 The reasons I couldn't adopt. #1 if a couples age total more than 80; I was 36 and he was 50 #2 Who's going to take care of the child if something happens to me...#3 I needed to be married more than 3 years.
I understand her. I was in foster care from 6 - 18, 5 different homes/schools. One thing I know, having the right parents and listening to them changed the direction of my life. But, most importantly accepting the Lord Jesus Christ truly change my life forever. My quick story: I went from foster care to working on feature films. Endgame, Star wars, Sonic 2, etc
Christina is absolutely beautiful inside and out. She has something great to offer this world. She is a diamond. She is just getting started. Sidenote: shame on the US government for failing our youth in every way imaginable (education/foster care/healthcare). Meanwhile, billions in tax money sent to Ukraine.
Such an emotional story. I wish her all the best. Her tenacity and spirit makes me excited about her future now that her basic needs are starting to bed met.
I worked at a homeless shelter and some of the workers definitely took donated foods before the homeless got it. They got first dibs,even though it wasn't meant for them
@@Inquisitor2024 I know, I used to live in a homeless shelter. A few of them. They always took our donations. We had food and never ran out, but they did take first dibs on donated clothes and toiletries. Thankfully, God blessed me with a home to leave that life.
Christina Abraham's story is powerful and needs to go viral. What an amazing, intelligent, and resilient young woman she is. So happy she stayed the course and is now on her way to fulfilling her God-given destiny! You go girl, you got this!
This Beautiful Young Woman will Do very, very well in her future. Her Essence/Spirit is so Positively Unique and Strong. I will keep her in my thoughts and pray she has a lifetime of Divine Protection. I absolutely love her positive attitude in spite of hardship. I see her as a role model as well and sent this story yo my 14 year old granddaughter to watch.
@@chrissya8296 Praying for you too Chrissy♥️ I asked God to send his Angels & a Hedge of protection around you! Put God first in all you do and he will see you through. 🙏🏻🌻
So much could be said but this video sums up so much. My husband was in foster care most of his life. Everything she expressed emotionally is exactly what he’s still struggling with today. These types of subjects I hope become more popular. It’s so important. It’s been years since I’ve seen actual quality reporting/news.
No one would know if I didn't tell them but I too have experienced foster homes. I recently celebrated my 49th birthday and more and more, I feel compelled to work with folks like Christina. She is me and I am her. My biological mother was a severe alcoholic and due to that along with issues with my biological father, I became a ward of the state. I was emancipated at 18 years old but thank God I started collage right away. Long story short, I was able to graduate from college and make good for myself. I am married with no children however, my dream is to one day be called mom. I know it will happen. Another dream I have is to establish a nonprofit program whereby individuals who have been through the system and have made it; could share their stories to shame the devel and most importantly encourage and motivate those who may be in the system. No matter what, this desire to serve in some capacity for young folks like Christina has consumed me and I know that it is not too late. Her story touched me and I saw a fire in her eyes. She will become very successful and one day look back and tell her story to inspire other young people.
I have ended up with no bio family. Sometimes it is better, actually. We can find our REAL family. Our soul family. Financially it's so scary nowadays, especially as a woman, but truly WE CAN do it, and you will be so proud of yourself. Much, much love and sympathy going out to you, beautiful person...
I'm glad this video ended with her having her own apartment and getting needed supplies and furniture. I hope everything is still going alright with her. And I hope it's working out for anyone else in a similar situation like this.
I pray this young lady makes it. Life has been cruel to her but I see a spark of resilience in her. She is going to be successful. That is truly my prayer for her! Hang in there girl!
I’m halfway through the video and I love this young lady. I know all about the foster care system from deep, long, personal experience. You will make it young lady. I wish you could come live with me 😢. She is strong and will be successful in life and happy, Amen.
For the girl who has been in the Foster care and living in the central, keep your head up. I hope you are able to find a place to live. Sending you prayers.
This hit way too close to home. Omg I want to hug her. I’m sorry you are going through this. People don’t know what foster care kids go through. 😢 I hope everything goes better for her. I hope someone sees this and helps her.
Sadly so true I was in care for 17 years and can recall maybe having 4 good homes and a respite care provider. Sadly most do it just to add to house funds but I thank God for the few I had that really cared now I'm an author, podcaster, college advisor and rising business owner God can and does heal all wounds
I wonder where all the "pro lifers" are? You know, the people who actively try to make sure kids are born into situations where they are not loved or wanted. Weird how they fight for embryos and fertilized eggs, but are never around when ACTUAL people need help.
Kids of abuse really have no options. They get abused, removed from the abuse, placed into foster care just to age into homelessness and being alone. With as high as rents are now and having to make 3 times the income of place just to get approved, getting a place is almost impossible. I make well above min wage, have a degree and I still struggle finding a place. I cant imagine it for an 18 year old or 21 year old with no education or credentials.
They should be doing better to help them finding affordable apartments and they SHOULD be top priorities! PERIOD! I'm blessed my experience wasn't this trying but it gets under my skin to see these children go through this.
I'm so happy that foster care has improved. When I was in the system. At age 18, you received no help. Most ended up on the streets or in jail. Some like me went to college or in the service. I did both, which I'm so grateful for.
8:40 “I know I have to be. I know that I’m more capable than most because I’ve been conditioned to the situation.” God Bless Christina and youth like her.
Your an exceptional and very articulate young women. You have great energy and that great energy will follow you. Keep pushing for your beginning never has to be your end. I hope you make a family one day and pour into them all that was not poured into you. 🎉
So sad, yet she is amazing to me! Such perseverance! And that beautiful smile and strong spirit in the face of so much adversity! Gratitude also to the people who helped her. I would love to hear how things are going for her! I pray that she is a tremendous success story!!
What a thrill to my day to hear from you directly! Thank you so much for that! I continue to hope that you are making a remarkable difference in the world!! I pray that you are mightily blessed by God!! Yay, you!!❤
This is exactly why I quit child welfare. I was tired of telling young adults that they were about to be homeless and the agency I worked for didn’t care! Smh it’s heartbreaking
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE WAY YOU COVERED THIS STORY!! VERY INFORMATIVE OF SOME' OF THE 'TRUTHS'. OF FOSTER CARE AND THE YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING THROUGH IT. THANK YOU. MAY THIS YOUNG WOMAN BE BLESSED ABUNDANDLY THROUGHOUT HER LIFE.🙏🌺🙋🏻♀️
I love you Christina! I am so sorry you have been treated this way. In Canada the cut off age for foster children is 18!! Disgusting! I pray that you are able to overcome your problems🙏🏾
This right here makes me fight for Forster children so HARD!! I was once that child myself and I know how this feels I’m now 38 and I still feel the feelings of not being wanted. This is absolutely awful, Christina I pray you continue to push forward and helping give a voice to the voiceless, I love you girl even though I never met you❤❤
So glad she got out of there. It's amazing to see her thriving after all she has been through. I know she will have struggles but she also has drive and I hope she continues to push forward.
Christina, if you happen to read this, please know that I am so proud of you babe! You did it. I can’t even fathom the amount of trauma, adversity, and pain you have endured throughout your life, but you’re here - you’re alive - with a wonderful head on your shoulders. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you. I know you’re going to accomplish amazing things, beautiful! ✨
Christina is such an intelligent & beautiful young woman! I encourage her to enroll in junior college, toward transferring to a university after completing the basic college courses. There are grants she can apply for at the schools' financial aid department, & she can also apply for student loans. Moreover, there are scholarships available that she can learn more about on-line, even a "first in the family to go to college" scholarship - the financial aid department can help her receive info about scholarships as well. Blessing to her. Hope you'll do a follow-up on her, because she does matter, & that was the one thing that broke this viewer's heart, how she had to grow up in foster homes where she was made to feel like she didn't matter
..i aged out of fostercare in the 90's ..never made any lasting secure relationships with anyone that actually lasted ..people talk, gossip & shun ..no one understands ..no one cares ..ive been a single mom with no family ..no support ..im 44 now & i still dont fit in anywhere ..i don't even celebrate my birthday anymore ..because it doesn't feel like there's anything to celebrate anymore ..i know of people ..some that i grew up with ..i see them on fb ..but there's no meaningful connections ..my father passed away when i was 18 and my mother is non verbal mentally ill ..I still feel out of place in this life ..never went to homecoming or prom ..never graduated H.S because i knew i had to work so i could be ready coming out of Foster Care ..i never got engaged or married ..and don't you dare express how it hurts & feels ..they'll say you're operating in "victim mentality" & throw you away ..im just here & i don't know why anymore ..& no one ever really cared💔
I feel like people over use the phrase victim mentality way to much. I hope things get better for you and if someone says victim mentality to you don't take it personal, because who ever said that to you was a rude loser.
God cares for you! Don't give up and turn to him. You'll see no person will ever have everything you need whether u have parents or not but God does. Read Eph 3:16-21
Live life for/with your kids. It’s a new start. This is how you/they meet people and they even you can do those things that you deserve and desire. It starts either you. ❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾
My heart breaks watching this. It is so unfair to get started like this. I have 3 biological kids of my own and we tried to help kids in the system. We always treated them like family even taking them on vacations. We eventually adopted our first foster date when she aged out of the system. The judge who signed the papers was in tears. She’s doing well right now at age 30. She’s a CNA making good money and has this beautiful 3 year old daughter. They just need love and affection
I hope the reporter, stay in contact with her, not daily but at least twice a month. I know they are not suppose to be emotionally involved but just make sure she stay focused. Don't just let this be a story. I hate that there's not that much help, but I am glad the young lady is off on a good start
The city's foster agency should be sued they should have submitted Christina's housing paperwork in time, their negligence has led to this and has impacted on her life negatively.
In the U.K. the system is supposed to give you support until you are 25. It is known as leaving care and you should get assistance with housing, budgeting etc.
I aged out of foster care. My parents simply didn't want me as an adolescent. I had no support system after and had dealt with homelessness on and off since. Kids need support and someone that cares!
I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. Hopefully things have gotten better for you now.
How can your parents simply not want you, were you misbehaving and they couldn't control you? Children have a right to support but children have a right to do the right thing, be trainable and obedient.
@@beyourself2444What a sick and disgusting comment
@@beyourself2444 Children do not have the conscious ability as an adult. If you can't handle an "out of control" kid, then you don't deserve kids.
We as a country have failed all foster children. Wow, you are dealing with issues that many adults are unable to navigate . Can't wait to see what you become a lawyer, à Doctor, even à advocate for future foster care kids, group homes, or any kid in need.
You are the pioneering light! 😊😊😊😊😊
After all of her cruel lonely life , she still has this good pure soul, couruge, kindness. I hope God will protect her
They go hungry on the weekend????? The stupid-advisor knows this; the kids have told this person they don’t eat when he is not there on the weekends. And that person does nothing???? That person goes home and has dinner knowing they left hungry kids behind????? I’m so mad right now
Amen halleluYah God is good and He is merciful guiding leading amazing blessins amen you are blest amen and amen again halleluYah kamfo Yehowa Jesus Yesu Kristos ameno uminom wɔta o’ buhay ❤
This young woman is going to "make it", no matter what. Her strength runs deep...
You'd be surprised. Sometimes things outside our control can do it
That doesn't always happen. You can be strong and still suffer
I think that’s the root of the problem. This being told to foster kids either by rewarding their suffering with strength or putting them down for not being strong enough.
I wish the interviewer would ask her, What does she want to become because if she went to school she could escape this group home and begin a whole new life for herself. God has a plan for everyone like me, you, and this young lady, and we all have a calling, and a purpose in this life to fulfill. This is not the end of the story for Christina.
Everybody is strong for a while, how abt we shut down these trafficking organizations instead of using toxic positivity?
I was a former foster youth. It's been a struggle always being in survival mode constantly struggling with basic needs with no safety net to fall back on.
It's hard for an adult, and I can understand from a youth's perspective as well. Hope you're ok❤
there needs to be a network this is such a pervasive problem..!
So, kids raised in foster care face the same situation going out into the world as someone who has been incarcerated. How messed up is that? God bless the people at Hearts to Homes for helping young people get the helpful launch into the world that every kid deserves.
Well that's an odd comparison.. I can see where you're coming from. Kid's forcefully or deceitfully removed from their homes over medicated told they have a new mom and dad foster mom foster dad and when they fight their ideology are further medicated. Because the kids must have a mental problem If they want their bio aka real parents.. I can accept your point of view probably in like 80 percent of Foster care kidnappings.
@@CherylRyanRoberts the system is really corrupt
@@KC-gu6bi good point
@@CherylRyanRoberts They are incarcerated. Being trafficked, labeled, drugged, abused, SA'ed, and etc while being locked up is incarceration. I don't know why ppl act like there's a difference in these systems, which are all connceted
no, they don't! folks in jail made bad decisions! foster. children are victims!
I hope she's still doing okay. She's a beautiful spirit.
I can completly have these same feelings. Maybe we should connect single women, mid-60s, struggling to get by and all alone with a young vibrant “aging out” young person ! It brings Oxygen and Sunshine into our lonely lives! It will keep us feeling young and connected and caring for a young person who needs all the tlc we still have to give
I love that idea!!!
That would be nice to meet occasionally and take the kid out for a meal or cover groceries. Sharing a living space? Twenties and sixties are two very different phases of life.
I doubt old people would want to live with somebody
@@uggycyvhvyvyv7322 People in the US lack compassion for their elders. They’re lonely. Family doesn’t visit. It’s sad.
This is USA 🇺🇸 the land of no community
I worked in a group home and was let go because I reported the mistreatment of the children.
That’s so unfortunate. Thank you for trying to do the right thing.
You did the right thing..God bless you Angel❤
I hate when people did the right thing and get in trouble.
You are a gem 💎 for doing that
@@jamila442Cash for kids system staff commonly leave with PTSD themselves from being "forced" to help staff abuse m0lest kids.
When I was told as a teen that once I was out out of the juvenile detention I would have to go to a group home to live, I ran away at 18. This was in the 1960's when the age of adulthood was 21. I left Minnesota and never looked back. It was difficult and many problems were still in my future. BUT I'm now 75, I've got adult children, adult grandchildren and I'm very happy to have 10 great-grandchildren. I was in foster care starting as an infant, adopted, then again in foster care, unadopted, and a runaway. But I am still alive!
I’m so happy that she finally has a home to go to, she is blessed.
Beautiful spirit and smile ❤ I wish her all the best. Her story is so important and we need reform of the foster care system
It is not about reforming but foster care awareness. Getting more families to open their home to fostering children. Maybe the government could make it more appealing so as to encourage more families.
No. Its background checks on the bum families!
❤
It's sad that there isn't an agency that works one-on-one with these young adults. I was a foster child in the 1970's. I had an absent Social Worker. Finally as an adult she came through my check out line at the store I worked at drunk, so Security called her husband. He explained she was indeed an alcoholic. The system is BROKEN all the way around.
Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience. Right now I am volunteering with Dallas CASA. CASA volunteers visit the children in foster care and act as their advocate in the courtroom. I have defiantly seen a lot of Social Worker get burnt out or move on to other things. And I feel the CASA program helps make things a little less broken.
I would love any advise you have for me to make sure the child I am advocating for gets their voice heard. I know as an adult you can often look back at your childhood and see things you did not see as when you were younger. I would love to make sure all their needs are met both mental and physical.
I was in Foster care in the 1950's. The system was broken then and it remains Broken Today. As you said in the 1970's your Social Worker was absent, I'm not surprised, because they would make a brief appearance maybe once a year to speak with only 1 or both foster parents. They never made the time to speak with the foster child one-on-one even at an early age just to see if things were okay or if there were any problems at the foster home. So as you said it is sad, that there is NO Agency that works one-on-one with these Young Adults. You are 100% correct, the System is BROKEN.
DO BACKGROUND CHECKS ON THE FAMILIES WHERE THE KIDS GO, AND CHECK ON CHILD AND FAMILY ON A REGULAR BASIS
Working in that field probably caused her to drink sadly
There’s one in Newark NJ I forgot what it’s called but I’m not sure how effective it is
As a foster parent this is so disheartening. We tried so hard with all of the kids.
maybe you did, but it seems many dont,and honestly, depending what your best is,it might be one of the things that child hates most and makes them wish they were dead, so really your best can mean nothing,something, and everything, one for 3 different people yet all for the same reason.,maybe it's clothing, schooling, religion, politics, privacy etc etc, no matter how great you think it is,it's some bodies worst nightmare you provide,and most will never feel safe being honest about it,because one word from you destroys everything.
This isn’t about you. And even when foster kids have great foster parents, there is still trauma and hardships they are forced to endure simply because they are not in a stable home. They could get moved at any time to somewhere worse, they don’t “belong”, etc.
These comments under your thread seem so harsh and negative. I'm glad you tried your best to care for others.
The best would be stopping this trafficking organization in it's tracks
So did my grandmother when she was alive as well as the foster parents of my other grandmother
She seems so collected. My guess is she "seems" that way, because that's the only way for her to get thru life. There has to be times of fear, whether or not things will be okay at some point, at any point. I wish I could hug her, and look her in the eye and let her know she does matter. There is something to be said for her strength. She is mature for her age. It's certain that's because she's had to be.
RAD
Of course she is mature for her age because a lot of times when children go through trauma such as; being in the foster system they have to mature fast, protect& take care of themselves. Further, they didn't have a normal childhood from the start so sad.
NBC interviewing....and helping her financially???
They should!!!!
🙏
I was thinking the same thing. NBC couldn’t get the child a bed?????? If I was the reporter I would have done it off camera
Is that ethical from a journalistic standpoint?
@@mrosjoI was going to say this. Ethically, it compromises journalistic integrity unfortunately. There were some photographers who got into a lot of trouble for helping penguins at the NorthPole who were going to die. It’s like being a cop, I just don’t have the mental capacity to not help when I know I can.
I really feel like this beautiful intelligent young lady will be successful. She's strong, she doesn't give up, she has personality. She's gonna be fine, and I hope she'll be fine very soon!
Will people like you believing in me how could I fail! Thank you so much for your kind words in my darkest days I think about all the words of light ❤
@@chrissya8296 You are very welcome dear. Be careful out here and continue to be strong and reach your goals 💚💚💚
@chrissya8296 how are you doing?
@@chrissya8296How are you babygirl ? ❤
I’m so sorry this happened. One day I will financially support kids who age out
Me too
They don’t need financial support as adults. They need education and to start at the bottom of something and work their way up like everybody else.
@@seanservo3105 Agree! That's all of our reality but what foster children need is emotional support to beginning healing from their childhood trauma.
@@seanservo3105Your response doesn’t really make sense. They are already starting from the bottom. Giving them financial support would be the bare minimum for giving them a fair chance in life.
What a beautiful young lady! I hope she has a brighter future!
My foster mother prepared me for age out. Got an apartment at 16 years old. State assisted me until I became 21.
That is so beautiful❤
good deal for you, free money must be awesome
@@stanksinatras That was a stupid comment
@@stanksinatrasyes, good for her. That's where state money should be going, to help young people get their lives going. They are the future
@@SarahTerror.0 and what about all the young people who got their lives going on their own, without free handouts? surely the deserve compensation as well, as they've proven they don't need to rely on someone else. why are deadbeats like this girl getting all the money when actual hardworking people get nothing? it just incentivizes uselessness.
Chrissy, I am so happy to see you with your own place. That has to be a huge relief. Your story touched my heart. I was a foster mother for many years until I adopted a sibling group of three. I hope all the children I fostered know that I truly cared for each of them. I hope someday you start a family of your own. Maybe be a foster parent yourself. You have turned into an intelligent, beautiful woman and you deserve love and stability in your life. God bless you and keep you safe.
I also wanted to make you aware of charities that provide new beds for people who don't have one. I'm not in your area but Google should help you out in your area. Make sure to apply for HEAP, SNAP (food stamps) and free phone, discounted Wi-Fi and utilize food pantries. Hope this helps. ☺
I have no siblings or children, 'unqualified' to adopt yet I fostered teen moms with babies for many years. Now, as a retired senior, I wish I could still adopt a young adult who wants and needs parental support. I've had girls like Christina - and worse. But, this definitely DOES NOT have to happen to kids who spend the majority of their lives as a ward of the court. The whole system makes me sad and angry at the same time.
The want to help is half the battle! I’m sure you’ll be able to support in a way that will leave you feeling fulfilled!❤
Why are you "unqualified to adopt"? Perhaps you can be foster parent or mentor to an older teen or a young parent.
You are so wonderful and I’m grateful that you’ve had the opportunity to impact so many lives I hope God continues to bless you and I hope you have an amazing summer thank you for my former foster youth that knows how much people like you are needed
@@ddigiorgio8438 The reasons I couldn't adopt. #1 if a couples age total more than 80; I was 36 and he was 50 #2 Who's going to take care of the child if something happens to me...#3 I needed to be married more than 3 years.
What a heart touching story. I wish they posted her amazon wish list or how we can help support her.
Beautiful idea. That would have been great.
@@missjenn170 good idea like a go fund me
I understand her. I was in foster care from 6 - 18, 5 different homes/schools.
One thing I know, having the right parents and listening to them changed the direction of my life. But, most importantly accepting the Lord Jesus Christ truly change my life forever.
My quick story: I went from foster care to working on feature films. Endgame, Star wars, Sonic 2, etc
That is so amazing. It’s always great seeing fellow foster kids have positive experiences ❤
Amen! 🙏🩷🙏
AMENNNNNNN
Please keep updating us about her..are praying for her
Christina is absolutely beautiful inside and out. She has something great to offer this world. She is a diamond. She is just getting started. Sidenote: shame on the US government for failing our youth in every way imaginable (education/foster care/healthcare). Meanwhile, billions in tax money sent to Ukraine.
Such an emotional story. I wish her all the best. Her tenacity and spirit makes me excited about her future now that her basic needs are starting to bed met.
The fact that they run out of food in a government agency lets me know that those workers are stealing the food for themselves.
I worked at a homeless shelter and some of the workers definitely took donated foods before the homeless got it. They got first dibs,even though it wasn't meant for them
@@Inquisitor2024 I know, I used to live in a homeless shelter. A few of them. They always took our donations. We had food and never ran out, but they did take first dibs on donated clothes and toiletries. Thankfully, God blessed me with a home to leave that life.
@@princess_zemirah213 awesome to hear ♥
@@Inquisitor2024 And then the job description says "free breakfast, lunch, and dinner".
Christina Abraham's story is powerful and needs to go viral. What an amazing, intelligent, and resilient young woman she is. So happy she stayed the course and is now on her way to fulfilling her God-given destiny! You go girl, you got this!
I've been on my own since I was 16. No inheritance, no handouts. Just hard work. And I've made it.
She is going to do great things. I can feel it. God bless this baby girl
She's strong and grounded. She will make it ❤
This foster kids should not be treated like criminals. Alarmed should only place at the door and only on after curfew hours.
Thank you !
I can feel her strength. God bless her and keep her.
Thank you so much ❤ you’re the best
This Beautiful Young Woman will Do very, very well in her future. Her Essence/Spirit is so Positively Unique and Strong. I will keep her in my thoughts and pray she has a lifetime of Divine Protection. I absolutely love her positive attitude in spite of hardship. I see her as a role model as well and sent this story yo my 14 year old granddaughter to watch.
Praying for this young lady and all others in this situation!!
Thank you ❤
Amen!
@@chrissya8296 Praying for you too Chrissy♥️ I asked God to send his Angels & a Hedge of protection around you! Put God first in all you do and he will see you through. 🙏🏻🌻
@@ragdollb9667 wow thanks so much
So much could be said but this video sums up so much. My husband was in foster care most of his life. Everything she expressed emotionally is exactly what he’s still struggling with today. These types of subjects I hope become more popular. It’s so important. It’s been years since I’ve seen actual quality reporting/news.
No one would know if I didn't tell them but I too have experienced foster homes. I recently celebrated my 49th birthday and more and more, I feel compelled to work with folks like Christina. She is me and I am her. My biological mother was a severe alcoholic and due to that along with issues with my biological father, I became a ward of the state. I was emancipated at 18 years old but thank God I started collage right away. Long story short, I was able to graduate from college and make good for myself. I am married with no children however, my dream is to one day be called mom. I know it will happen. Another dream I have is to establish a nonprofit program whereby individuals who have been through the system and have made it; could share their stories to shame the devel and most importantly encourage and motivate those who may be in the system. No matter what, this desire to serve in some capacity for young folks like Christina has consumed me and I know that it is not too late. Her story touched me and I saw a fire in her eyes. She will become very successful and one day look back and tell her story to inspire other young people.
I have ended up with no bio family. Sometimes it is better, actually. We can find our REAL family. Our soul family. Financially it's so scary nowadays, especially as a woman, but truly WE CAN do it, and you will be so proud of yourself. Much, much love and sympathy going out to you, beautiful person...
Powerful storytelling. Gave me a different perspective on the challenges foster youth face as they age out of the system
Keep doing stories like this!!! Please. This is what we want to see. Stories about real Americans living real lives. Thank you NBC!🎉
She seems like a really good person I hope everything worked out for her seems like she just wants a chance
I'm glad this video ended with her having her own apartment and getting needed supplies and furniture. I hope everything is still going alright with her. And I hope it's working out for anyone else in a similar situation like this.
I pray this young lady makes it. Life has been cruel to her but I see a spark of resilience in her. She is going to be successful. That is truly my prayer for her! Hang in there girl!
I'm happy for Christina God bless her.... the charity Hearts to Homes I wanna donate to them immediately.
I know it’s scary but you can do this!! On my own since 16.
Get out of the city to more affordable housing areas.
Much Love ❤️ Enjoy the ride
I’m halfway through the video and I love this young lady. I know all about the foster care system from deep, long, personal experience. You will make it young lady. I wish you could come live with me 😢. She is strong and will be successful in life and happy, Amen.
For the girl who has been in the Foster care and living in the central, keep your head up.
I hope you are able to find a place to live.
Sending you prayers.
Thank you so much ❤ I got my apartment!
@@chrissya8296How are you? I’m so proud of you. You are beautiful.
This hit way too close to home. Omg I want to hug her. I’m sorry you are going through this. People don’t know what foster care kids go through. 😢 I hope everything goes better for her. I hope someone sees this and helps her.
Virtual housewarming warms my heart.
Sadly so true I was in care for 17 years and can recall maybe having 4 good homes and a respite care provider. Sadly most do it just to add to house funds but I thank God for the few I had that really cared now I'm an author, podcaster, college advisor and rising business owner God can and does heal all wounds
I’m So happy for you:) wish this would be all of foster children stories
Christina seems awesome. I wish her all the best
I pray for her. Her strength is INSANELY inspiring considering she is just so strong. I pray she gets more in life than she ever imagined. 🙏🏼🙏🏾🙏🏿
This is one of the most heartbreaking thing every. As a foster parent my heart just breaks.
Unfortunately you can't save them all
@@johnnyfreedom3437 That a very heartbreaking and cold perspective. Theses young people don't need saving, they need a support system.
I wonder where all the "pro lifers" are? You know, the people who actively try to make sure kids are born into situations where they are not loved or wanted. Weird how they fight for embryos and fertilized eggs, but are never around when ACTUAL people need help.
Right I’m 24 and I’m about to start my foster parent classes , this video made me cry imagining how holidays are for them
These kids need a loving environment. Something they've never had. God bless them and guide them!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Kids of abuse really have no options. They get abused, removed from the abuse, placed into foster care just to age into homelessness and being alone. With as high as rents are now and having to make 3 times the income of place just to get approved, getting a place is almost impossible. I make well above min wage, have a degree and I still struggle finding a place. I cant imagine it for an 18 year old or 21 year old with no education or credentials.
May God bless Christina with all the love, prosperity and joy on this Earth. She shines bright in a dark place and deserves all good things! ❤️
She’s so beautiful, well spoken and articulate. That’s terrible what she’s been through at the hands of her own “mother” and foster “parents”.
They should be doing better to help them finding affordable apartments and they SHOULD be top priorities! PERIOD! I'm blessed my experience wasn't this trying but it gets under my skin to see these children go through this.
Good job Christina! Apartment is adorable. You seem so well adjusted for what you have been through. Great attitude you are going to make it!
Thank you so muchhh! I try🥹
I was so touched by your life. I would be blessed to have you as a daughter. 😇🙏🏾💕
Awww thank you 🥹 I feel blessed for the consideration!
She is amazing, and clearly emotionally and mentally intelligent. I wish her the very best in life.
I'm so happy that foster care has improved. When I was in the system. At age 18, you received no help. Most ended up on the streets or in jail. Some like me went to college or in the service. I did both, which I'm so grateful for.
Stay safe, my lady. Your strength is our strength. Live long and prosper.
Christina is a very wise young lady. I'm wishing her the best on this journey called life.
8:40 “I know I have to be. I know that I’m more capable than most because I’ve been conditioned to the situation.” God Bless Christina and youth like her.
Your an exceptional and very articulate young women. You have great energy and that great energy will follow you. Keep pushing for your beginning never has to be your end. I hope you make a family one day and pour into them all that was not poured into you. 🎉
So sad, yet she is amazing to me! Such perseverance! And that beautiful smile and strong spirit in the face of so much adversity! Gratitude also to the people who helped her. I would love to hear how things are going for her! I pray that she is a tremendous success story!!
I am doing so much better! Thank you for your words and believing in me and seeing me and not what I’ve been though. It means more than you know ❤
What a thrill to my day to hear from you directly! Thank you so much for that! I continue to hope that you are making a remarkable difference in the world!! I pray that you are mightily blessed by God!! Yay, you!!❤
I love your positive attitude when life gave you bad hand. Stay strong.
This is so crazy. I’m glad that she finally got what she needed.
This is exactly why I quit child welfare. I was tired of telling young adults that they were about to be homeless and the agency I worked for didn’t care! Smh it’s heartbreaking
Thank you so much for Sharing. I applaud your Caring Nature and Honesty in that the system remains Broken 💔& Heartless. Your one in a Billion.❤
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE WAY YOU COVERED THIS STORY!!
VERY INFORMATIVE OF SOME' OF THE 'TRUTHS'. OF FOSTER CARE AND THE YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING THROUGH IT.
THANK YOU.
MAY THIS YOUNG WOMAN BE BLESSED ABUNDANDLY THROUGHOUT HER LIFE.🙏🌺🙋🏻♀️
Such a beautiful piece. Thank you for doing right by her story.
Such an articulate young lady, best wishes for the future. Write a book, ma'am! I think you could!
I love you Christina! I am so sorry you have been treated this way. In Canada the cut off age for foster children is 18!! Disgusting! I pray that you are able to overcome your problems🙏🏾
Proud of this young lady and her accomplishments and being able to keep a tenacious attitude towards life. Many blessings to her and her future.
I can identify it was worse here in Florida, we had to be out at 18, not knowing where you was suppose to go or who could help. Lost soul.
That would be the same in my country. The thought terrifies me for young people.
I’m gonna foster tons of kids in Florida🫶🏽
Beautiful and heartbreaking story. This is how journalism should be. Bringing light to problems through the life of everyday people.
Prayers up for Grandma, you'll get them back, and for those girls remaining safe. 🙏🏽
This right here makes me fight for Forster children so HARD!! I was once that child myself and I know how this feels I’m now 38 and I still feel the feelings of not being wanted. This is absolutely awful, Christina I pray you continue to push forward and helping give a voice to the voiceless, I love you girl even though I never met you❤❤
So glad she got out of there. It's amazing to see her thriving after all she has been through. I know she will have struggles but she also has drive and I hope she continues to push forward.
God bless her, and all those who helped her, and all those who are going thru what she has and is!
The state should do more to help these kids coming out their system. Good reporting, she is a wonderful young lady, all the best to her!!❤️🎉🎉🎉
They should and they will! Thank you so much !!
Christina, if you happen to read this, please know that I am so proud of you babe! You did it. I can’t even fathom the amount of trauma, adversity, and pain you have endured throughout your life, but you’re here - you’re alive - with a wonderful head on your shoulders. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you. I know you’re going to accomplish amazing things, beautiful! ✨
Christina is such an intelligent & beautiful young woman! I encourage her to enroll in junior college, toward transferring to a university after completing the basic college courses. There are grants she can apply for at the schools' financial aid department, & she can also apply for student loans. Moreover, there are scholarships available that she can learn more about on-line, even a "first in the family to go to college" scholarship - the financial aid department can help her receive info about scholarships as well. Blessing to her. Hope you'll do a follow-up on her, because she does matter, & that was the one thing that broke this viewer's heart, how she had to grow up in foster homes where she was made to feel like she didn't matter
I agree but the government is supposed to give her money to pay for school since she was in foster care did anyone explain this to her???
God bless this young lady.
I'm very happy for this young lady!!! May your life shine and be a living testimony!!🎉🎉 You go, girl!!❤❤
Life is hard. Smile and greet a stranger today ♥️
I surely will and these words put a smile on my face today!
This brought tear to my eyes. I will do just that to be a light in this world
Aww hugs 🫂 I totally understand I was a foster kid too. I care about you. Much love ❤
..i aged out of fostercare in the 90's ..never made any lasting secure relationships with anyone that actually lasted ..people talk, gossip & shun ..no one understands ..no one cares ..ive been a single mom with no family ..no support ..im 44 now & i still dont fit in anywhere ..i don't even celebrate my birthday anymore ..because it doesn't feel like there's anything to celebrate anymore ..i know of people ..some that i grew up with ..i see them on fb ..but there's no meaningful connections ..my father passed away when i was 18 and my mother is non verbal mentally ill ..I still feel out of place in this life ..never went to homecoming or prom ..never graduated H.S because i knew i had to work so i could be ready coming out of Foster Care ..i never got engaged or married ..and don't you dare express how it hurts & feels ..they'll say you're operating in "victim mentality" & throw you away ..im just here & i don't know why anymore ..& no one ever really cared💔
I feel like people over use the phrase victim mentality way to much. I hope things get better for you and if someone says victim mentality to you don't take it personal, because who ever said that to you was a rude loser.
I’m sorry
God cares for you! Don't give up and turn to him. You'll see no person will ever have everything you need whether u have parents or not but God does. Read Eph 3:16-21
You have your children now. Be strong and press forward for them.
Live life for/with your kids. It’s a new start. This is how you/they meet people and they even you can do those things that you deserve and desire. It starts either you. ❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾
My heart breaks watching this. It is so unfair to get started like this. I have 3 biological kids of my own and we tried to help kids in the system. We always treated them like family even taking them on vacations. We eventually adopted our first foster date when she aged out of the system. The judge who signed the papers was in tears. She’s doing well right now at age 30. She’s a CNA making good money and has this beautiful 3 year old daughter. They just need love and affection
Thank you for showing this. It’s real and more people need to be aware of the need our children and young people have.
Oh beautiful soul…all the best to you.❤
Thank you lovely I appreciate it so much !
I’m glad we’re hearing her story. Keep in touch with her please. 🙏
Blessings for Christina
I hope she’s living a good and happy life.
I hope the reporter, stay in contact with her, not daily but at least twice a month. I know they are not suppose to be emotionally involved but just make sure she stay focused. Don't just let this be a story. I hate that there's not that much help, but I am glad the young lady is off on a good start
The city's foster agency should be sued they should have submitted Christina's housing paperwork in time, their negligence has led to this and has impacted on her life negatively.
In the U.K. the system is supposed to give you support until you are 25. It is known as leaving care and you should get assistance with housing, budgeting etc.
There are thousands of kids just like her.
Beautiful Brave young woman. Praying that all your dreams come true. God Bless you