Janet's Story
When Janet celebrated her 15th birthday with a traditional Quinceaneras, an elaborate “coming-of-age” party that, according to Latin tradition, announces a girl’s transition into womanhood, she invited her mentor Terri and Terri’s family to the festivities. The two families from different cultures have embraced each other across the bridge provided by All Our Kids. “Terri is like a big sister to me,” says Janet. “she’s someone I can count on in good times and bad, someone who will be there whenever I need help.” Janet just recently graduated from South High School in the Spring of 2006 and is now attending Iowa Western Community College, majoring in Human Services.

Foster's Story
In high school, Foster worked as a part-time janitor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He might hold a similar job today without the guidance of UNMC mentors who inspired him to look at his future in a whole new way. “They started talking to us about setting goals for ourselves, and what we had to do to get there,” recalls Foster. “Nobody had ever talked with me about things like that.” The boy without direction became a more confident young man with a plan. Foster connected with All our Kids in search of financial resources for secondary education. “My parents could barely make ends meet. They certainly couldn’t afford to send me to college. All Our Kids lifted this enormous burden from my shoulders.” Foster received more than a scholarship. Supported by a program designed for first-generation college students, he pursued his interest in computers at Metro Community College, where he earned a two-year associate’s degree in information technology and networking. Guidance and tutoring helped ease the way. An internship gave him a taste of corporate life. Success emboldened him and he set his sights higher. He transferred to Bellevue University where the curriculum was more challenging. Financial Support from All Our Kids allowed Foster to limit the number of hours he worked so he could focus on his studies. In the spring of 2002 Foster received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. Equipped with a degree and a new sense of adventure, Foster traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to interview for jobs in the bustling city. In March 2003, he began his new career as a desktop support technician at the headquarters of AutoZone, a fast-growing Fortune 500 company that operates nearly 3000 stores in the U.S. and Mexico. “It’s the kind of job where you have to be quick on your feet,” explains Foster. “I’m building images, PC’s, just about everything. I’m learning new things everyday.” Foster thrives on the fast pace. It’s a far cry from what he might have expected in life.