I am Valued: Chase’s Story
Transition-aged youth (TAYs), or youth aging out of foster care, face a lot of daunting challenges once they turn 18. Many age out of state care without a family or support system to help them navigate their independence. Chronic poverty, incarceration, accidental pregnancy, and homelessness are just a few of the risks young adults often experience. Chase found himself in the same situation. After years of moving in and out of foster care, Chase felt lonely and unprepared for adulthood once he turned 18. That was when he arrived at Timothy Hill Ranch, one of our residential Stillwaters partners that provides guidance and support for TAYs. While Chase’s story starts with isolation and instability, it ends with restored hope and purpose.
Chase’s Story
Throughout his childhood, Chase bounced in and out of foster care, constantly on the move and uncertain about the future. At 13 years old, Chase was put on probation and arrested after a violation. Once word got out, Chase remembers his small Arkansas community withdrawing from him. He was labeled the “bad kid” and lost many connections.
On top of that, the parole officer and the Department of Child Services visited his home after the incident. Chase lived with his grandmother at the time, but it became apparent she could no longer meet Chase’s needs. He was once again removed from his home and placed in foster care. He isolated himself in his bedroom and didn’t receive the help he desperately wanted.
“Growing up, I didn’t really have a family,” Chase says. He remembers thinking, “No one is ever going to want to call me family.”
Years later, as Chase approached adulthood, he needed to find a place to stay. That’s when he discovered our Stillwaters partner, Timothy Hill Ranch, who provides a safe haven for at-risk young people. Their mission to help youth restore their lives operates through a holistic approach focusing on mind, body, and soul. Chase enrolled and soon arrived at Timothy Hill, carrying the weight of his past on his shoulders. But his story would soon change.
Chase Heals at Timothy Hill
Chase walked into Timothy Hill Ranch with very few belongings in May 2023. He only brought two duffle bags, 6 pairs of shoes, and some memorabilia. Unlike his community back home, Timothy Hill welcomed Chase with open arms. They showed him support, reaffirmed his value, and developed a plan to help him transition into adulthood successfully. The on-site garden and fishing at the lake quickly became a calm space for healing. Chase developed life skills like cooking, college applications, and finances.
Overcoming trials and achieving milestones that once seemed impossible became the theme of his year at Timothy Hill. In October 2023, Chase celebrated his first day off probation in three years. A driver’s license and buying a red car boosted Chase’s confidence. He also completed three welding certifications and graduated from Arkansas State University – Beebe with a welding degree. The college awarded him the Outstanding Searcy Campus Award on April 30th, 2024.
Most importantly, Chase learned about the love of Jesus and gave his life to Christ. He was baptized at Timothy Hill.
Today, Chase lives in transitional housing in Arkansas and plans to save money while he works to further his career.
“I’m valued,” he says. “I mean something.”
Many young adults aging out of foster care enter adulthood without a support system. Chase faced the same possibility, but he found a loving, supportive community at Timothy Hill Ranch. Chase’s story changed from loneliness to belonging. Now he knows his worth and has confidence in the future. To help us and our partners reach more young adults, donate today! Together we can break the cycle of the child welfare crisis.
