Becca’s Story: From Being Lifted Up to Lifting Others

Becca grew up knowing what it felt like to have someone in her corner—to be supported with patience, encouragement, and unwavering belief. That foundation shaped who she became and how she shows up for others. Adopted through DCFS at a young age, she was raised in a home where support was steady and consistent. It grounded her, helped her trust her own voice, and gave her the confidence to pursue her goals and creativity.

When she left home for Illinois State University, Becca carried that sense of belonging with her. And as she met other students—some navigating the extra challenges that come with not having that kind of support—she realized she wanted to offer others the same stability she had been given.

Entering her final year of undergrad and first year of grad school, Becca joined the Y-CAP program as a Peer Advocate. She wanted students coming into ISU with foster care backgrounds to have something she knew could change everything: a place where they felt welcomed, understood, and free to be themselves. Through one-on-one meetings, trainings, social gatherings, and service projects, she helped students find their footing and feel more at home.

There were standout moments—like the night she and her mentees dressed up as zombies to volunteer at a Haunted Trail, laughing together as they connected with the community. But the moments that stayed with her most were quieter: a student opening up about something painful, celebrating a small win, or hearing a younger mentee begin to speak with new confidence. Those everyday interactions reminded her why Y-CAP matters—and why support systems like this cannot exist without people who believe in them.

Working as a Peer Advocate, Becca grew too. The work helped her discover her own leadership style—rooted in empathy, creativity, and connection—and showed her she was capable of more than she had realized. As she graduated with her master’s degree, she carried forward the belief that guided her from the beginning: support can change the course of a life. And she’s committed to passing it on.

What is really special about Becca’s story is that after graduating college and helping her peers succeed, Becca became a mentor in Foster Progress’s Mentoring & Scholarship program. As a Peer Advocate in college and now a mentor to high school students, she continues the work of helping young people step into their strengths, gain confidence, and flourish when surrounded by a community that believes in them.

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