In Oregon, a young entrepreneur is defying the odds, transforming years within the foster care system into the foundation for a burgeoning clothing business. Nicky Young, who entered state care at age 5 and experienced its complexities intermittently throughout her youth, has channeled her resilience and resourcefulness into launching “Your Grandma Nicky,” a sewing enterprise specializing in handcrafted clothing.
Her journey, highlighted in a recent interview on OPB’s “Weekend Edition” with host Lillian Karabaic, illuminates both the significant challenges faced by youth transitioning out of state care and the transformative impact of targeted support programs.
Navigating the Foster Care System
Young’s experience reflects a path shared by thousands of children and teenagers in Oregon. Currently, the state’s care system houses over 5,000 young individuals. While the aim is reunification or adoption, a critical and vulnerable segment — approximately 9% of Oregon foster youth — ultimately age out of the system without securing a permanent family connection. This transition is often fraught with difficulties, frequently marked by a lack of consistent mentorship, stable housing, and essential life skills necessary for independent living.
Young herself aged out of the system, a period that can leave individuals feeling adrift without the familiar, albeit sometimes challenging, structure of state-provided care.
The Lifeline of Support
Recognizing the urgent need for post-care support, Young sought assistance after aging out. She connected with Youth Villages, an organization providing a life skills training program designed to equip former foster youth with tools for self-sufficiency. It was through this program that Young acquired vital financial literacy skills, a foundation crucial for managing personal finances and, as it turned out, launching a business.
The support extended beyond education. The Youth Villages program also facilitated access to critical resources that addressed immediate needs and long-term stability. Young was able to obtain a housing grant, providing an extraordinary five years of free rent – a significant buffer allowing her to focus on building her future without the immediate pressure of housing costs. Additionally, the program helped her secure college grants, paving the way for potential further education.
“Your Grandma Nicky”: Birth of a Business
Armed with newfound financial acumen and a passion for creation, Young embarked on her entrepreneurial path. Her business, charmingly named “Your Grandma Nicky,” focuses on sewing and making clothes. The name itself perhaps hints at a desire to provide comfort and care through her creations, mirroring the warmth often associated with the role of a grandparent.
Young’s success is a testament to her inherent tenacity and thrift. The skills learned in financial literacy were directly applicable to managing the costs of materials, pricing products, and understanding the monetary flow necessary to sustain a small business. Her ability to leverage available resources, whether through the Youth Villages program or her own careful management, underscores her determination to build a stable and independent life.
The act of sewing itself requires patience, precision, and creativity – qualities Young has clearly cultivated throughout her challenging journey. Turning a personal skill into a viable business demonstrates remarkable initiative and a refusal to be defined solely by her past circumstances.
A Beacon of Resilience
Nicky Young’s story is more than just an account of launching a sewing business; it is a powerful narrative about resilience, the impact of targeted support for vulnerable populations, and the potential residing within individuals who have faced adversity. Her journey from being in care on and off since age 5 to becoming a business owner highlights the critical need for comprehensive services for youth aging out of foster care.
While the statistics – 9% aging out without family, over 5,000 children in care – paint a challenging picture, stories like Young’s offer hope. They underscore that with the right skills, resources, and personal drive, former foster youth can not only achieve independence but thrive, contributing their talents and entrepreneurial spirit to the community.
“Your Grandma Nicky” is more than a business; it is a symbol of overcoming obstacles and building a future, one stitch at a time.
