In 2011, they met a remarkable young man, Anthony Preston. Anthony is bright, driven, charismatic, and grew up in foster care. He is a true leader, displaying a remarkable strength of character despite enduring a lifetime of recurring trauma and numerous life challenges.

Anthony was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where he was placed into the foster care system at the tender age of seven. His upbringing and early years were shaped by the foster care system, where he remained under the state’s care until he aged out at 21. Anthony lived with multiple families, moved six times, and shared his life with nearly 100 foster brothers. His journey was far from smooth, as kids in foster care often encounter difficulties when it comes to finding a sense of belonging. Trusting others and connecting with individuals who truly believe in your potential and are willing to push you to excel can be daunting.

Anthony was fortunate enough to have a few dedicated individuals circle around him. People who made the effort to understand his unique circumstance and encouraged him to complete his high school education. Anthony’s story is rare, as only 35% of children in foster care in Oregon manage to graduate from high school.

Anthony defied the odds and went on to pursue a college education, earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Additionally, he has found fulfillment in a profession that he is passionate about. Today, Anthony is happily married and eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first child this summer. He believes that success stories of children who spend time in foster care shouldn’t be a rarity but should be an Oregon state standard.