I was one of the lucky ones.

My early childhood took place in an environment where extreme poverty and drug addiction encapsulated the surrounding community and defined my life at home. With a father who struggled with addiction, my home life was filled with horrific experiences, driven by the unpredictability of an addict and the mental state associated with it. When conditions became impossible to ignore, the Department of Human Resources (DHR) intervened, and I was transitioned into the foster care system - where a new world with a new set of challenges would unfold.

My experience in both realms gave me first-hand insight into the challenges each demographic faces and the areas of opportunity to improve the quality of life for these youth - our youth. I saw how just the slightest glimpse of hope could shift your trajectory, allowing you to dream past your circumstances. Exposure is imperative for our at-risk youth, because we can only see as far as we can see. Regardless of its downsides, foster care provided me with the stability needed to excel academically — a chapter featured by AL.com.

Kimberly, Ladarrius, Tiana - they were my friends in care, whose stories had a tragic ending. They were brilliant, vibrant, and beautiful people. They deserved a future. With a safe space and the right support, I believe they would still be here. I think about them every day.

UpLyft is built for them, and for the thousands of young people in Birmingham right now who deserve more than a system can offer alone. We exist because community changes outcomes - and because no young person should walk this road by themselves.

- Khadejah