For most teenagers, their 18th birthday is something to celebrate. Unfortunately, when foster youth turn 18 and are "emancipated" from foster care, their newfound freedom is nothing to celebrate. For them, "freedom" often means: no place to live, no job, no help with education, and no support or guidance of any kind.

Turtle Nest Village is a place of true freedom: freedom from the perils of life without guidance, support, education, employment, or a home. Turtle Nest Village has created an alternative reality for emancipated foster youth: one that is focused on security, nurturing, and opportunity.

Tiffany's Story
When Tiffany was five years old she was removed from her home for the second time by the Department of Children and Families because, once again, her mother's drug use left her stranded for three days alone at home.

Between the ages of five and 18, Tiffany moved seven times. Each time she was introduced to a new foster family, enrolled in a new school, and had to make new friends. She always wondered when the changing would stop, and when would she be home for good.

Two weeks before her 18th birthday, Tiffany's foster parents took her out to dinner to talk about her turning 18. She was so excited, thinking that they were going to tell her about the upcoming celebration for her passage to adulthood. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The birthday message for Tiffany was that she had to find a new place to live by the end of the month. Tiffany's birthday gift was luggage.

One time too many, Tiffany felt thrown away. She moved in with her girlfriend Sally, and Sally's boyfriend. She slept on the couch and got a job as a cashier at a local discount store.

Nine weeks later, Sally's boyfriend threw them both out and Tiffany found herself and her new luggage at the doorstep of a homeless shelter.

Two years later, Tiffany was pregnant, transient, and living on welfare.

Jason's Story
When Jason was four days old, he was taken from the hospital by his grandmother. Jason's mother had AIDS and died giving birth. Because his grandmother was older and Jason was HIV positive, the Department of Children and Families took custody of him.

By the time he was a teenager he had lived in three foster homes, but always remained close to his grandmother. He always knew that when he turned 18 he would return to his grandmother, and he looked forward to that day. Sadly, she died just before his 16th birthday. Jason had no other family, and no where to go. He no longer looked forward to his 18th birthday. Now, he was scared.

Two weeks before Jason's 17th birthday, his foster care social worker came for a routine visit. Excitedly, she told Jason about a new program in the community that would provide him with a place to live while helping him finish his education, assist him in finding a job, and help him save money for his own apartment. He could even get free art classes to pursue his passion of painting.

Two years later, Jason graduated from the community college, shared an apartment with a friend, and was in the management training program at a local grocery store. Once a month, he teaches an arts and crafts workshop to young foster kids.