MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A child from South Florida who could have become a statistic is proving that with the right guidance, anyone can be put on a better path. The guidance he needed came thanks in part to a South Florida organization.
Local 10′s Nicole Perez spoke to a young man who is thriving in this week’s Mom to Mom report.
The Voices for Children Foundation has been working with children in foster care in Miami-Dade County for nearly four decades.
Mytravis Clark is 18 years old and has been in foster care for most of his life, entering at the young age of three.
“Thank you for being there. The man I am, I could have ended up somewhere else, where a lot of kids ended up. Most of them don’t have the support system like I did. Saying thank you isn’t enough, but it’s all I got right now. I’m forever grateful,” said Clark.
Since entering into the foster care system, Mytravis has always had his Guardian Ad Litem, thanks to the Voices for Children Foundation.
“Every child that comes into foster care receives an advocate and that person is their voice in court,” said Kadie Black, President & CEO, Voices for Children Foundation.
For Mytravis and his brother, that voice for the last 15 years has been Lisa Better.
“We connected in a really beautiful way. As a guardian volunteer, the minimum need is to be able to see the child once a month. You have to lay your eyes on them. I would go once a month. I could visit at school or go unannounced to the foster home. I would go to their daycare and see them there or at the foster parents’ house,” said Better.
He has a big smile and a positive outlook on life, but that was not always the case.
“I do go through stuff, but I tend to keep a smile on my face. Others don’t notice the smile might be fake. It’s easier to mask the pain then to go through it,” said Mytravis.
Mytravis said he’s on a path to make it better, thanks to Lisa and Voices for Children.
“I’m a camp counselor for the ages of 15-18. I guess it’s mentoring, sharing experiences with them most of them. I’ve known it’s a great way to go through experiences” said Mytravis.
“My heart is so full and I’m just so proud and happy to see who he is today. He’s always been that person, but just to see him 18 years old and just focusing on the future. Just being so grounded,” said Better.
According to the foundation, when children come into foster care, they are 70 percent more likely to be human trafficked, homeless and more.
“There are 1,600 kids in Miami-Dade County that are in foster care. They have come in because of abuse, abandonment and neglect. So, it means they are unable to live with their biological families. But I will tell you that Mytravis has over the last year gone with us on a college tour, he went on our mission trip, we were able to help him get braces, so that’s the role that voices have played for Mytravis,” said Black.
At 18, Mytravis has aged out of the foster care system.
“I’ve ventured off on my own. I live in independent housing where I’m very independent. It’s one of the main important traits someone can have as they get older. It’s a little hectic but there’s nothing we can’t handle,” said Mytravis.
Mytravis told Nicole he is so grateful to everyone who has helped him along the way and had a special thank you for his forever guardian, Lisa.
“I can’t put anything in words to thank Lisa. I just really love her and I’m glad she’s in my life and she’s still here and forever will be here in my life and a special shoutout and thank you to her. Big hug,” said Mytravis.
Mytravis said he wants to study criminal justice and become an FBI agent. He has plans to go to the police academy after earning his Bachelor’s degree.
For more information about the Voices for Children foundation, click on this link.
If you would like to highlight a mom who makes a difference in our community, send us an email at MomToMom@wplg.com.