Our Impact

In 2023, I traveled to Washington, D.C. for the first time to speak before the U.S. Senate Caucus on Foster Care about the resources needed for young people who age out of care. I also met directly with Senators Blackburn, Hagerty, and Grassley to stress the importance of food access. That work helped lead to President Biden signing the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 into law, expanding SNAP eligibility for aged-out foster youth, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness. I’ve personally benefited from this change, and I know how impactful it is when policy meets people where they are.

That same year, Tennessee listened to the voices of hundreds of foster youth, including mine. The General Assembly expanded access to the Extended Foster Care system—now called the Bright Futures Program—so that young people who chose to work or attend trade school, instead of college, could still receive support. This was a huge step toward equity, recognizing that success doesn’t look the same for everyone. It’s the kind of policy that creates real stability for young people figuring life out.

After talking to youth across Tennessee, I worked with others to rename our Extended Foster Care system to the Bright Futures Program. This wasn’t just a branding move! It was about changing how young people saw themselves and the support available to them. The new name reflects possibility, hope, and forward momentum, and it’s helped more youth feel seen and supported.

I pushed for an increase to the monthly allowance for young people in Independent Living because I know what it feels like to stretch every dollar just to survive. By increasing that support, we gave youth the breathing room to focus on school, work, and their future—just like their peers. It was about fairness, dignity, and ensuring that no young person is left behind simply because of their circumstances.