Each year in New York City, thousands of young people in foster care face a life-altering transition: aging out of the system at 18—or 21 if they opt in—often without stable housing, financial support, or guidance into adulthood.

This week, Leslie speaks with Nancy Jarecki, longtime board member of New Yorkers for Children (NYFC), and Eyhdi (Eydi) Osorio, NYFC Scholar, Youth Advisory Board Vice President, and aspiring mental-health professional, about what it truly means to age out of foster care—and how targeted support can change a life’s trajectory.

Together, they explore the realities of aging out, the housing crisis facing foster youth, the critical role of emotional support and mentorship, and how NYFC builds community, confidence, and opportunity through programs like Career Choice, which funds trade and technical education and housing. This episode offers an honest, hopeful look at the foster care system—and the impact of investing in young people as they transition into adulthood.

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