I came from a family of seventeen sisters and brothers, in which the majority of us were and are in foster care. I would like to talk about the help that is out there for foster children. Being a product of foster care, I was fortunate to discover the Independent Living Program which is designed to assist emancipated foster youth. My ILP coordinator, Ms. Copeland, referred me to Victoria Rowell's foster care program. Victoria helped me get a job working as a set production assistant on the show, Diagnosis Murder. Victoria has been very understanding, helpful, and comforting to me as the changes occurred in my life. Thank you, Victoria!

Because of the Rowell Foster Children's Positive Plan program, I now feel that I am very independent. I know how to save, and I purchased a car and recently moved into my own apartment. It feels good to be able to spend money on your little sister who looks up to you.

What I like most about RFCPP is that Victoria really cares and understands foster children in her program. Additionally, she takes time to get to know them by doing things such as taking them to Dodger games and having them over her house for Christmas dinner and carols. If I am in need of school books, clothes, or a job, the RFCPP organization has what a foster child needs as far as links to other programs that will help me with these things.

The point is I am very grateful that I was referred to RFCPP because Victoria has given me the will to proceed with my dreams and goals of going to school to be a psychologist and an actress. In closing, I would like to sate what someone once told me. "Never stop dreaming, because when you do, you settle for less."

Elicia H.