Dylan’s Story: More than a Mentor, a Role Model and Friend

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. From their first conversation, Dylan felt seen in a way he hadn’t been by the countless caseworkers, counselors, and therapists he’d had in the past. Frank’s openness—sharing that he hoped to foster youth someday and acknowledging his own mistakes—built trust that helped Dylan open up without fear of judgment. Their conversations quickly became one of the few places where Dylan felt safe telling his story.

One moment stands out. Dylan had forgotten a meeting and was already an hour away at his girlfriend’s house. Instead of canceling, Frank simply said, “Don’t worry. I got it,” and drove to meet him. To Dylan, it was a clear sign that he finally had someone who showed up. Frank and his wife also visited Dylan at the restaurant where he works as a server, making him feel supported both in and outside of school. And the respect ran both ways—Frank wasn’t just guiding Dylan; he was listening and learning from him too.

Over the year, Frank helped Dylan build people skills, prepare for job interviews, manage schoolwork, and gain confidence in the everyday challenges of being a young adult. With consistent support, Dylan got his finances in order, learned how to budget, and applied to transfer schools. This past spring, he was accepted into both Columbia College and UIC.

Today, Dylan feels proud of who he is, proud of his progress, and even proud of being a foster kid—something he never imagined saying. He knows the growth he’s made this year is because he finally had someone who supported him with consistency and genuine care. Frank became more than a mentor; he became a role model and a friend.

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