Bobbie Gross, now serving as Mesa County’s clerk and recorder, is proof that a strong support system can change a child’s future. Her experience in the foster care system as a teenager shaped her life in ways she never imagined, giving her the tools and mentorship that paved the way for her success.
Finding Stability in Foster Care
At just 15 years old, Gross entered the Mesa County Foster Care System. Unlike many stories often associated with foster care, hers was a positive one. “I had a great experience with foster care. We had great foster parents, and I also had members of the community that were great mentors for me as a foster kid,” she shared.
The presence of compassionate caregivers made all the difference. She was surrounded by people who encouraged her to set goals and work toward them. Gross acknowledges that without their guidance, her life might have taken a very different path.
Lessons That Changed Her Life
By 17, Gross made a bold decision—she moved out on her own. Most children in foster care either age out at 18, reunify with their families, or get adopted. But for Gross, independence came early.
She credits the system for teaching her valuable life skills, particularly in financial literacy. “They helped me navigate things, they taught me about finances, they taught me that I could buy a house and I didn’t have to rent,” she said.
At just 19 years old, she became a homeowner, a milestone that many young adults struggle to reach even years later.
A Lifelong Connection to Foster Care
Foster care didn’t just shape her youth—it influenced the rest of her life. As an adult, Gross decided to become a foster parent herself. She wanted to give back to the system that gave her so much.
Her story underscores the power of mentorship and stability in a child’s life. When foster kids are surrounded by the right people, their futures can be brighter than they ever imagined.
The Bigger Picture: Foster Care in Mesa County
Mesa County’s foster care system sees over 200 children in its care at any given time. While every child’s experience is different, stories like Gross’s highlight the impact a strong support system can have.
- Many children in the system find permanent homes through adoption or reunification with their biological families.
- Some age out of the system at 18, facing the challenges of adulthood without the same level of support that Gross had.
- Organizations and mentors play a critical role in helping foster youth transition into independent adulthood.
The need for foster parents remains high, and local agencies continue to encourage more people to open their homes and hearts to children in need.
A System That Can Work
While many foster care stories come with challenges, Gross’s experience offers hope. It proves that with the right resources, foster youth can thrive, pursue their dreams, and even give back to the community that once supported them.
