The Underground Railroad to Success, Inc.

A Message from the Founder

_{^{Tanisha A. Cunningham, MPA}}

"I don't believe that children in foster care are troubled as some people so often referred to them as.  I believe that they came from a troubled situation and deserve the same opportunity to live a successful life, if not more,  as those who came from a traditional home setting. Children raised in foster care have special gifts that if channeled in a positive way, can make for a great leader.  These  particular children are mentally strong, resilient and full of life.  They are long suffering in the face of adversity, comfortable with risk and uncertainty and they know how to deal well with stress and conflict.

I pledge to dedicate my life to helping youth in foster care.  Having survived the foster care system myself by successfully transitioning to my own independence, I truly understand the fear of not knowing what's going to happen next.  Now it's time for me to go back and help others through that same journey of success.  My desire is to adopt the same passion and determination that Harriet Tubman used in order to  lead as many children in foster care, as I can, through the tunnel where they will find their independence as adults while becoming an integral part of our society." 

"Nationwide, an estimated 20,000 adolescents age out of the foster care system each year. According to the Child Welfare League of America, 25 percent become homeless, 56 percent are unemployed, 27 percent of male children end up in jail. In fact, the next big wave of homeless people might be foster kids aging out".

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Elizabeth Bracket of WTTW examines what happens to young adults in foster care when they age out and turn 18.

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 Did you know.....

It takes more than a village to raise a foster child, it takes a whole nation!