Children’s rights activist Marian Wright Edelman once said, “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.”
For kids in foster care, it can be difficult to imagine a bright future for themselves. Research shows that teenagers in foster care are less likely to graduate high school, attend college, or find meaningful employment in adulthood, compared to their peers who are not in foster care. This disparity often comes down to a lack of support.
Children who are raised in their biological families can receive support from their parents that helps them succeed. Whether it’s Dad helping with homework or Mom helping with a resume to get that first summer job, these are advantages that youth in foster care miss out on. While the odds are stacked against teens in foster care, research also shows us that having just one stable, caring adult in their life can dramatically improve their chances of success.
Kidsave's Weekend Miracles program connects older kids and teens living in foster care with caring adults in their community to help provide this much-needed stability and support. In August, the Houston Weekend Miracles program hosted its annual Career and Life Skills Day event, bringing together 16 kids and 9 families to explore 15 possible careers.
From finance to engineering, the families and volunteers manned booths designed to showcase a potential career and give the kids a taste of what a future in that field might look like. Activities included learning how air moves through the lungs from a Respiratory Therapist, practicing being a reporter and conducting interviews with a local news anchor, and learning valuable lessons on budgeting and credit from a banker. There was even a very special guest in attendance—Colonel Anne McClain of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Colonel McClain has been a dedicated volunteer and mentor in the Houston Weekend Miracles program, and we were happy to have her back after her recent trip to the International Space Station.
This was our third annual Career Day, and it has continued to be a hit among the kids and families.
“Our kids really light up at Career & Life Skills Day,” said Ashlee Evans, Houston Weekend Miracles Program Manager. “They love getting to try new things and explore different opportunities, but what makes it extra special is the chance to connect with our families, learning about their jobs, hobbies, and passions. It’s such a fun way to build relationships while opening doors for the future.”
Events like Career and Life Skills Day help kids and teens in foster care envision a future for themselves that they may not have previously thought possible. Thank you to all the dedicated families, volunteers, and staff who made Career Day 2025 a huge success!
Learn more about how you can help older kids in foster care in your community.
