Bia, 24 years old, PA

Bia works as a Peer Advocate at a Defender Association, where she directly supports pregnant and parenting youth involved with the Department of Human Services (DHS). She has created "learning communities," which are voluntary focus groups that meet with clients on a monthly basis. During these meetings, she addresses various topics, including homelessness, navigating the DHS system, self-care, time management, and other concerns. Bia came up with this idea because she remembers her own experiences in foster care and understands the need for a safe space to discuss important issues. As a resilient former foster care youth, she aims to instill that same strength in the clients she serves.

Wishes submitted by:

Community College of Philadelphia