HOUSTON — Approximately 40 Harris County foster youth participated in a graduation ceremony on Friday in Houston. These graduates received support from the Child Protective Services court program.
Many of the graduates did not have family members in attendance at the ceremony. Angel Sosa, who has aged out of the foster care system, holds a bachelor's degree in pre-veterinary medicine. Sosa will enroll in a master's program focused on equine reproduction in the fall. Sosa said, "I didn't see anything happening for me because a lot of times in the system you're kind of expected to fail." Sosa said, "We all have been through some really unfortunate things, but whenever you take that and you're like, 'No, I'm going to make something of it,' that changes your entire perspective."
Harris County Child Protective Services Court Judge Katrina Griffiths said, "Meet these kids where they are and let them know that they can be successful, because the alternative is the streets, and the streets can lead to homelessness and jail."
Ramaysia Delapena, another graduate, completed high school after experiencing school suspensions and expulsion. Delapena said, "I would fight, get suspended, get expelled, but I made it through with the glory of God." Delapena plans to enroll in cosmetology school. Delapena said, "Keep your head up. If I could do it, y'all could definitely do it."
Community sponsors provided funding to establish the Launch Pad. This resource center supports young adults living independently. The Launch Pad distributes household goods, toiletries, and other essential items to youth transitioning into adulthood.