How to Advocate for Yourself When You Don’t Have Support

The intersection of race, poverty, and foster care creates a complex web of challenges that disproportionately affects marginalized communities, particularly Black and other minority populations. This nexus often leads to systemic inequalities where children of color are more likely to enter and remain in the foster care system due to socioeconomic disparities and institutional biases. The cycle of poverty can exacerbate these issues, limiting access to supportive resources and opportunities for stability and growth.

Growing up in foster care can lead to feelings of instability and abandonment, as frequent changes in caregivers and homes may prevent the formation of lasting attachments and a stable sense of identity. When compounded by poverty, these experiences can further marginalize Black girls, limiting their access to resources, education, and opportunities that could foster a sense of competence and achievement. Racism adds another layer of adversity, as societal biases and systemic discrimination can erode self-esteem and reinforce negative stereotypes.

Together, these factors can create formidable barriers to developing a positive self-image and a strong sense of self-worth. However, resilience in the face of these challenges can also lead to remarkable strength and determination. Many Black women navigate these obstacles with grace and tenacity, crafting identities that defy the constraints placed upon them.

In Every Woman is Worthy’s most recent Instagram live, we dove into better understanding this intersection between foster care, race, and poverty through compassionate listening and conversation with our guest Danielle, a small business owner and entrepreneur in Texas.

Danielle has spent many years shuffling between foster care homes and doubting her value since no role models or caregivers poured love and support into her. Danielle shares with vulnerability and offers insights into how she kept going and eventually how she came to believe in herself.