Ava's Story

Meet Ava, a fiery teen with a huge heart who is thriving because of the support she receives in her CEDARS foster home.  

Ava has been in and out of foster care her entire life. Her parents were unable to provide the care that Ava needed so she spent her childhood bouncing around different family member’s houses and foster homes.  

None of them ended up being a great fit for Ava. Struggling to find stability in her teen years, she started engaging in activities that didn’t reflect who she truly was.  

That’s when the Sullivans stepped in.  

They saw Ava as more than just a kid who had made some poor decisions. They saw her as a child who had gone through more than anyone could imagine. They saw a girl who was capable of achieving her full potential with the love only a family could provide.  

Ava told her CEDARS foster care specialist that the Sullivans made her feel safe enough to openly communicate her emotions and aspirations. They even allowed her to get a pet gecko, something she had always dreamed of. 

Ava was making so much progress, but growth doesn’t always happen in a straight line. When a rough patch tested the bond between Ava and the Sullivans, they had to work through the hardship. But the Sullivans never gave up on Ava. It was the first time she felt like someone had her back, no matter what. 

Since then, Ava has committed to becoming the best version of herself. She has found permanency in the Sullivan household where she has decorated a room of her own. Her foster parents have helped her connect with some of her biological family members too, helping her feel a deeper sense of identity and belonging.  

Ava now has a stable job and has started school to become a veterinary nurse. She knows the Sullivans believe in her, but more importantly, she believes in herself. 

We are so proud of Ava and can’t wait to see all she continues to accomplish!