Eric was orphaned at the age of 8 and has had to overcome numerous obstacles including abuse, violence, and trauma. He entered foster care at age 15 and lived in a group home before being placed in a foster home with his now-adoptive mother, Angela. Following an 18-month hiatus from school due to emotional challenges, Eric was ready to give up on ever returning to school or earning a high school diploma.
Luckily, Angela enlisted the help of Advocates for Children, and we successfully fought for a permanent school placement for Eric that could meet both his emotional and educational needs. At his new school, which provided the small, supportive environment he needed, Eric made remarkable progress both academically and emotionally.
Eric completed his final graduation requirements and received his high school diploma in September 2013. He is currently a full-time student at LaGuardia Community College!
“[Eric] is doing SO well . . . A month ago he turned to me and said, 'I can’t believe I’m really in college. I never thought I’d get this far.' . . . He’s surpassing all the odds. He’s on track to be the first person in his family to have ever gone to college. I can never thank you enough for everything Advocates did on Eric’s behalf. I just wanted you to know that not a day goes by when I don’t think about what saviors you were for him.”
Angela, Eric's foster mother
