Volunteer Highlights
Much like our programs, our volunteer opportunities are designed to be impactful experiences. From virtual to in-person, we offer a variety of ways for community members to connect with young people, grounded in the belief that consistent support and encouragement ensure young people can thrive.
David’s life changed when he became a Foster Success volunteer.
As a foster parent, he was aware of the barriers young people faced as they transitioned into adulthood. When he learned about Foster Success, he immediately signed up to volunteer — ready to support older foster youth as they start their journey to self-sufficiency.
David has since become a familiar face at Foster Success, offering both practical and emotional support.
With a background as a career services manager and owner of a martial arts studio, he quickly realized this is where he was meant to be. He’s been involved in Workforce Readiness programs such as Works Wonders®, which provides job readiness skill-building for teens and young adults with lived experience in foster care. David offers career advice and insights — highlighting what employers are really looking for, how to make strong connections and nurture them, and tools to break into competitive industries.
He empowers young people to find a balance between their career and passions when possible.
David Cross,
Foster Success volunteer
“These young people are seeking answers. It’s the difference between someone repeating the cycle and breaking it."
But David’s support hasn’t stopped at career development. He’s also shown up for Youth Engagement events, including the NYTD Fall Festival, an event for young people to learn about the National Youth in Transition Database through resources and activities while meeting peers in similar situations and interacting with adult supporters, like David.
At the Indiana Foster Youth Alliance’s (IFYA) Annual Youth Conference, David co-facilitated a breakout session with a young person. The session focused on utilizing martial arts to learn how to handle challenges with confidence, focus, and resilience.
By getting involved, he has made a difference in the lives of countless young people, but also in his own. Inspired by his time and relationships built as a volunteer, David and his wife decided to take the fostering-to-adoption route and are currently finalizing their adoption process of a teenager.
“Foster Success has been one of the most rewarding experiences,” he said. “No matter how small a contribution you make, it can be the one thing it takes for a young person’s life to turn around.”
Dedicated volunteers like David are an integral part of Foster Success. Their expertise and time are transformative as they support a critical moment in a young person’s life. From writing encouragement cards to professional development support, volunteers join us in making every part of our mission possible, and more importantly, helping to become a source of encouragement and respect as an adult support to our young people.
