Transitioning Out of Foster Care
Jance entered foster care with Advantage Family Outreach & Foster Care in May of 2015. He was placed with one of our seasoned foster parents, Jill. Initially, Jance was nervous and afraid as most foster children are. Going to an unfamiliar home and sleeping in an unfamiliar bed can be unnerving. Jill has been a foster parent for over 20 years and making the children that come into her home as comfortable as possible is her main goal.

Over the years, Jance thrived in the home, going on trips with his foster mom to Washington D.C., Maryland, camping every year during the summer, and to his most favorite place, Zoombezi Bay Water Park. While in Washington D.C., Jance stated, “getting all the ice cream I wanted was the best! It was my favorite ice cream.” When he went to Maryland, Jance swam in a creek, searched for arrowheads, and even made his own arrowhead while visiting. Jance shared that when he was camping, he loved fishing and singing campfire songs with his foster mom and foster brothers.
Jance attended church weekly and was part of the church’s youth group. There were always plenty of people around that made him feel that he was indeed part of a family, and he felt safe.

Jance was happy to report that he also learned how to cook and do his own laundry. He said, “I love making green bean casserole, deviled eggs, hamburgers, and grilled cheese”. He had a look of pride when he explained he could use the microwave, oven, and air fryer, and felt he was learning things to help him when he lived on his own. Jance attended school daily and graduated with his diploma in May of 2020. Jance’s foster mom ensured that he was prepared in all independent living situations to enable Jance to take care of himself when he left care.
When asked what he will miss the most after leaving the foster home, Jance stated, “Jill’s cooking. I love her biscuits and gravy, tacos, and Nachos and cheese”.

The next step in Jance’s life began in June 2020 by moving into a home for young men that is part of the Ohio Bridge’s Program. Jance’s story is one of success. He was cared for by his foster mom and experienced what every child deserves to experience, a home, love, laughter, and a sense of belonging. Jance is ready to enter the workplace, maintain his own home, and do his part in our community.
Thanks to foster parents like Jill who go the extra mile to empower children in care and prepare them for their future as adults, Jance has started the next chapter in his life and has the potential to do great things!

Check out Finally home: Young man finds peace with sixth foster family, at mansfieldnewsjournal.com