Fostering Minds

Today, ran an interview about my debut novella, City Dreams: A Tale of Three Friends and why I wrote it.

Foster youth stories are usually told through statistics and worst case outcomes. I wanted to flip that and put real humanity on the page.

In City Dreams, you’ll meet Lila, Jamal, and Sofia, three young people in foster care who are talented, layered, and still trying to figure out where they belong. Lila is the writer. Jamal is the student athlete. Sofia is the muralist. Their lives cross, and they choose to use what they’ve been through to uplift other people.

This is a book for foster youth who need to see themselves with dignity.

It’s also a book for educators and adults who work with young people, because there is a student in your building right now who carries a story like theirs, and your relationship might be the turning point.

If you want the full story behind the book, read the interview here: https://www.themetroland.com/blog-main/interview-tony-rivera

And if you want to support this work, City Dreams is out today, February 16. You can grab your copy at fosteringmindsllc.com.

2025 Is Here: Answer the Call

Now that 2025 is here, let this truth guide you: God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the call.

The experiences you’ve walked through, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the lessons you’ve learned were not in vain. They’ve shaped you into someone uniquely equipped to make an impact. You don’t need to be perfect; you need to be willing. Be ready to answer the call, even when it feels uncertain or uncomfortable.

As Ed Mylett reminds us, “Your mess becomes your message.” What you’ve navigated in your journey can now serve as a light for someone else. Trust that your story has purpose, and that your perspective can inspire and guide others.

Step boldly into 2025 with faith and confidence. You are equipped for what lies ahead, and God will continue to provide everything you need to fulfill your calling. This is your year to embrace growth and step into your purpose.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24

Here’s to a year of courage, faith, and extraordinary possibilities. The world is waiting for your unique light—let it shine brightly in 2025

Transformation Takes Time—And It’s Worth It.

Be patient with yourself. You are becoming someone you’ve never been before.

As a foster youth alum, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate life’s uncertainties. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward growth and resilience. Through Fostering Minds, I’m committed to empowering foster youth and those who support them to embrace the process of becoming—whether it’s advocating for yourself, preparing for transitions, or simply believing that better days are ahead.

Growth isn’t linear, but every challenge and triumph shapes us into someone stronger, wiser, and more capable. To all the foster youth and supporters out there: be patient with yourself. You’re doing the work of becoming someone you’ve never been before—and that’s worth celebrating.

What’s one moment of growth or transformation you’re proud of? Let’s inspire one another in the comments!

💌 A Message Matters: From One Foster Youth Alum to Another 💌

The holidays can bring a mix of emotions for us as foster youth alumni—memories of resilience, moments of gratitude, and sometimes a longing for connection.

This season, I want to encourage you to send that text—to a mentor, a friend, or someone who’s been part of your journey. A simple “Thank you” or “I appreciate you” can mean so much more than you know.

And if there’s someone you’ve been meaning to check in with, this is your reminder: You’ve got the power to brighten someone’s day, and maybe even your own, with just a few words.

Connection is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Let’s share it this season. 💙

Rooted in Faith: From Private Strength to Public Purpose

Growing up in the foster care system taught me about uncertainty and resilience. Moving from place to place, I often felt unseen and unheard. But in the midst of it all, I found strength in my private relationship with my Creator. Those quiet moments of prayer and reflection became my sanctuary, reminding me that my story had meaning even when the world around me felt chaotic.

That private relationship with God became my foundation, preparing me for the challenges and opportunities ahead. It taught me that my circumstances didn’t define me and that my pain had a purpose. Over time, this faith overflowed into how I showed up in the world—with confidence, courage, and hope. It became the source of my resilience and the strength I needed to walk in my purpose.

What I didn’t realize was how much this private faith would ripple into my relationships, especially with my family. The strength and clarity I gained in private allowed me to be present, to love deeply, and to create a legacy of resilience for those around me. This connection wasn’t just for me—it became a gift I could share, a light that others could see and feel.

To my fellow foster youth and alumni: your circumstances don’t define you. Make space for those quiet moments with your Creator, because it’s in those moments that your pain transforms into purpose. Your private faith will shape your public strength, and it will create a legacy that reaches far beyond what you can imagine. You are meant for more—step into it.

“The word yet is a promise of hope—it reminds us that where we are now is not the end of the story.”

As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, Fostering Minds reflects on the power of gratitude and the hope that comes with yet. For foster youth, staff, and advocates alike, this season reminds us to honor progress, even when the journey feels incomplete.

At Fostering Minds, we believe in the transformative power of the 3P framework:

1. Prime your heart with gratitude for the present.

2. Pivot toward meaningful opportunities to create change.

3. Prepare to embrace the possibilities of tomorrow.

This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate the strength it takes to believe in yet. Whether you’re a youth navigating the foster care system, a staff member empowering lives, or an advocate for change, your story is still being written—and hope is at its core.

We invite you to join the conversation: What’s your yet? How are you creating impact, showing gratitude, or preparing for brighter tomorrows? Share your reflections in the comments or message us.

Together, we can foster hope, gratitude, and resilience in the lives of those we serve.

Having navigated the foster care system, I understand the experience of feeling different and standing out in challenging ways. I've come to realize that being different doesn't make you inferior; sometimes it means you're stronger and more resilient. I've witnessed firsthand how changing our perspective can impact our journey. I've also witnessed the incredible light we possess and the strength we develop. Don't hesitate to let that light lead you, no matter where your journey takes you.

At Fostering Minds, we understand that the journey of foster youth is filled with twists and turns. This statistic highlights the importance of ongoing support for these young individuals as they navigate life beyond the system.

Every step, no matter how challenging, brings them closer to their dreams. At Fostering Minds, we are committed to empowering foster youth with the tools, guidance, and community they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their fullest potential. Together, let’s create a future where every foster youth has the opportunity to thrive.

I believe that hope is the light that guides us through the darkest moments, reminding us that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
Counting my blessing, that at a young age I managed to find hope through the storms.