Abdul speaking at our JIT Annual “Confident, Capable, Connected” award ceremony

Born and raised in Ghana, Africa, Abdul immigrated to the United States in 2022 where he entered the foster care system. Recognizing college as a path to his “dreams and goals,” Abdul reached out to Just in Time for Foster Youth’s College Bound service for both resources and emotional support. Below is an excerpt from a recent speech he gave about his JIT experience and his relationship with his College Bound coach, Alyson.

Leaving foster care was tough. For me, the challenges were both emotional and practical. Since I don’t have any family, I often felt alone and didn’t know who to trust. I carried those feelings with me after high school. Suddenly, I had to figure out how to be an adult, pay bills, make my own choices, and take care of myself. On top of that, I was starting college then, which was stressful.  

Sometimes it felt like too much, and I wondered if I could ever have a stable life. Then I found Just in Time and everything started to change.  

The first sign of support came when JIT had a college-bound event where they paired me with a volunteer coach so we could meet and get to know each other. It went great for me, then the second college-bound event helped me get the supplies I needed for my first year of college, including a laptop.  

It may seem simple, but having the right tools made me feel ready and confident for my classes. Later, when I moved into my first place, JIT helped me get furniture and decorate my new apartment. For the first time, I had a space that felt like mine, a home that felt safe and comfortable. Those things mean more than I can express. 

The Changing Lanes program really helped too. I was able to earn my driver’s license,  something which has given me freedom and chances I didn’t have before. Being able to drive has made a difference for school, work, and just getting around, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. 

But the best part of my JIT experience has been my relationship with my coach. Mrs. Alyson. She has played such a big part in my life. From the very beginning, she checked in on me, planned moments for us to meet and she made me feel like I wasn’t alone.   

Abdul with his coach, Alyson Gilmore

She taught me simple skills like meal prepping and made sure I knew she was there for me. She made me feel like I could be loved, no matter what. She made me feel like I was important, and that changed everything. 

Connecting with others through JIT has helped me find stability, confidence, and people who care about me. It’s taught me how to build healthy relationships. How to trust people,  and how to ask for help.  Now I can visualize my future in a new light, like instead of fear, anything is possible.. I envision graduating from college,  having a good job, and helping other foster kids. 

To me, being  “Connected” means knowing I don’t have to go through life alone. It means being part of a community that values me and reminds me that my past doesn’t control my future. Being connected gives me hope and strength, and it’s helped me understand that I deserve to be happy and successful. 

Thank you, Just in Time, for welcoming me into your community and making me feel comfortable and safe. And connected in a way I never felt before.  I will always remember every single one of you who has impacted me in so many ways. I want you to know that I am forever grateful for everything you’ve done for me, your kindness and support have made a difference. I am so lucky and blessed to be part of your community.   And thank you everyone here, participants, alumni, staff, volunteers, and investors, for being part of the group that helped me become who I am today. 

At Just in Time’s recent Holiday celebration coach Alyson Gilmore presented Abdul with the annual “Connected” award through a heartfelt video message of gratitude for their relationship.