North Carolina Nonprofit Helping Aging-Out Foster Kids

I'm checking in with nonprofit leader Deanna Terry to celebrate an incredible year of growth and impact at KeyStep, a non-profit dedicated to guiding foster youth toward independence.The founder shares the success stories of the young people they serve—from graduating high school and earning their GEDs to starting college, landing better jobs, and attending therapy. We discuss why the community's support has been 'humbling' and personally healing for the founder, who didn't realize how much she still needed to heal from her own past experience.We also dive into KeyStep's unique approach to support: their food and essentials pantry, located in Indian Trail, is not a giveaway. Instead, youth must commit to a Goal Plan—whether that's studying for a driver's license, attending therapy, or sending a picture of a meal they cooked. It's a system built on respect for their journey to independence.In this episode, we discuss:The importance of non-profits being specific about their needs to better serve the youth.Successes in education, employment, and mental health (with five youth currently in therapy).How the community stepped up to provide specific items—from laptops to Native brand body wash for sensitive skin.How listeners can help meet their most urgent needs right now (toilet paper, snacks, and cleaning supplies).