SUCCESS STORIES

Alexis Roy

Alexis Roy entered the foster care system at the age of nine. She and her sister had fallen under the dependency system due to neglect of her drug-addicted birth parents.

Alexis had just entered fifth grade when a man from Child Protective Services came to the home. She and her sister packed their few possessions into their backpacks and were moved to a foster home. They were very lucky to have ended up in a nice foster home with wonderful foster parents.

The positive influence of the new placement showed. Alexis's grades improved, for the first time ever she developed a group of school friends. Foster care services provided them with money to get new clothes, and she now bathed on a regular basis.

At age twelve, Alexis and her sister were separated. Alexis was placed with an aunt while her sister moved in with their grandmother. Being separated was tough, but the two managed to visit each other frequently. Alexis continued to excel while living with her aunt. She transitioned to a new middle school where she remained on the honor roll. In eighth grade, she started club swimming and discovered a love for running. At age 14 Alexis competed in the Alcatraz challenge (a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz to Crissy Field, followed by a 7.5 mile run across the Golden Gate Bridge and back.)

Alexis attended Lick-Wilmerding High school for two years before dropping out. Alexis enrolled in the Alameda Beauty College in June of 2004 and is scheduled to graduate from beauty school and get her cosmetologist's license in September. She'll also be taking her high school equivalency exam this spring.

After she emancipates from foster care this winter, Alexis would like to return to school to get a degree in fashion, a business license, and certification to be a personal trainer. Her dream is to open a three component image center including a salon, a gym, and a boutique.

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