This is my foster youth verification letter. At first glance, it might seem like just another piece of paper, but to those who have experienced the foster care system, it means so much more. It’s not just a form—it’s proof. Proof that the journey we’ve been through is real, that our experiences are valid, and that we are seen.
This letter often becomes a key—opening doors to resources, education, housing, and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. For many, it’s the first step toward building a life beyond survival. It speaks for us when we don’t always have the words to explain our past.
But beyond its practical use, it’s a powerful reminder. A reminder of resilience, of all the obstacles we’ve faced, and of the strength it takes to move forward in a world that doesn’t always understand. It represents not just where we’ve been, but where we’re headed.
-May Souvandara-Phan