Thirty-five young adults marked an important milestone at ChildNet's graduation celebration held at Palm Beach State College. The event honored foster youth and young adults served by the Broward and Palm Beach County nonprofit organization. ChildNet provides comprehensive support to foster children and young adults through educational programs, adoption services, and independent living resources designed to help them succeed.
Among those celebrating their achievement were Sabrina Diaz and Brian Saintfort, two graduates who had experienced the loss of a parent and sought help from ChildNet during difficult times. The organization provided both young adults with the tools and support they needed to overcome their challenges and move forward with their lives. Diaz shared advice for other young people facing similar circumstances, telling them to maintain belief in their future success and commit to their education and personal goals. "Belief that you're going to be big one day and just put effort into it, never give up on school and never give up on dreams," Diaz said. "If you push past with the pain and just keep trying hard," she continued, emphasizing the importance of perseverance through hardship. Saintfort offered his own perspective on achieving success, encouraging others to have confidence in themselves. "Believe that you'll make it, then you're gonna make it," he said.
Larry N. Rein, CEO of ChildNet, spoke about the significance of the evening's celebration. He acknowledged the collective effort that made the graduates' success possible, recognizing the dedication of case workers from both ChildNet and the Department of Children and Family Services. Rein emphasized that the graduates themselves deserved the most credit for their accomplishments. "This evening is the fruition of great work by everyone in the community, including case workers at ChildNet, DCF and especially the kids who have worked so hard," Rein said.
Both graduates have already mapped out their futures. Diaz has enrolled in pre-med classes at Palm Beach State College as she pursues her goal of becoming a physician. Saintfort is pursuing a vocational program with plans to become a plumber, pursuing a skilled trade career path. Their stories illustrate ChildNet's impact in supporting vulnerable youth through education and resource provision, helping them transition successfully into adulthood.