Do you hear them? In the United States, 1.5 million children are homeless; more than 500,000 children are in foster care; more than 20,000 are aging out of the system every year (most the day they turn 18). Of those 20,000, fewer than 50% have attained their high school diplomas. Within a few months of aging out, many wind up homeless, and more than 70% of the people in our prisons spent time in foster care.

As a child and as a teen, I experienced all kinds of abuse and grew up in poverty. I could barely read and was in special education classes until eighth grade when a teacher discovered that I just needed glasses. When my mother had a mental breakdown and abandoned me at age 15, it forced me to find resources and mentors who helped me bridge the gap between where I was and where I dreamed of going.

Asking for help from the right folks propelled me along my journey. If we each reach out to help just one child – and I was once that one child –become self reliant, we can eradicate this problem. The kids need you. They need me. Be that ONE to change and spark radical change all around you!