Dylan’s Story: “Frank Changed My Life”

When Dylan entered the Mentoring & Scholarships program with Foster Progress, he wasn’t sure how much it would help. He had already been in college for a year and a half and felt caught between worlds—wanting to transfer to a university, struggling financially, and feeling more out of place than he wanted to admit. A part of him was tired, discouraged, and ready to give up.

Then he met his mentor, Frank.

“My mentor Frank has swung me in the right direction,” Dylan shared at our fundraiser last spring. “I’ve now been accepted into Columbia College and UIC, and I’m finally on a good financial path because Frank helped me with budgeting.”

Their connection quickly became something deeper than a program match. Dylan described Frank as “kind, funny, extremely caring, and selfless”—someone who shows up even when it’s inconvenient. When Dylan accidentally mixed up their meeting day and was an hour away, Frank simply said, “Don’t worry. I got this,” and drove to him.

“He reassured me that as long as I was willing to let him into my life, he’d gladly be there.
That made me feel valued and cared for in a way I can’t describe.”

For Dylan, who spent years talking to professionals who were required to be in his life, the difference was profound.

“Everything always felt uptight and forced. Frank doesn’t do this as a job. He does it out of kindness. I’ve gotten more out of my relationship with Frank than I’ve gotten from anyone else who has ever tried to help me.”

Over the past year, they’ve learned from each other, supported each other, and grown together. Frank helped Dylan believe in his own potential, and Dylan helped Frank see the world in new ways.

“With Frank’s mentorship, I’m proud of who I am. I’m proud of my story. I’m proud of being a foster kid. That’s not something I ever thought I’d say.”

This is what your support makes possible — relationships that change everything.