“As a lot of people who are in my life know, I went through Idaho’s foster care system. I aged out at 18, with only a few resources to guide me through my twenties. You don’t have time to worry about those things when your average time at each placement was six months or less, as was my experience. However, some people have made it their mission to look out for those youth who transition from foster care to the real adult world. I want to tell you about the one that’s helped change my life. Safety Net has been there for me on numerous occasions. With no expectations, my first ever apartment, Safety Net, paid my deposit and my first month’s rent. They even furnished it. When COVID hit, and I lost quite literally everything, Safety Net helped get me food and sent me to Walmart to go shopping. I owned a beaten-up 90s Corolla that blew its engine on me. I asked Safety Net if there were any resources to help me. They brought me to a car dealership and paid for my 2012 Chevy Traverse. They expected that I would pay them the money back with no interest. Here we are now. I am 6 payments away from owning it, and I can’t help but be incredibly grateful! Financial responsibility wasn’t taught to me growing up. It’s why I’ve run into many issues as an adult. My point is that I was never responsible with my money. They didn’t just give me a car, hoping I’d drive off into the sunset. They gave me a chance to prove I could budget. They gave me a chance to prove I could handle that responsibility. So, with that being said, if you are passionate about helping foster youth in need, consider donating anything to them. It doesn’t have to be money or material items. Share a post from them. Tell them that what they do is beyond amazing and changes lives. Thank you, Safety Net. Truly. I love what you do, and I genuinely love your team.”
— Ricky Lewis