Shady H.: From the streets to stability, through KDC foster care

Shady came from Egypt as a 17-year-old – without parents. He knocked on doors for food, clothes, and a place to stay. One household called the police out of concern, and Shady ended up in KDC’s Intensive Foster Care Program.

At 20, Shady lives with his foster mom, Tammy, and his foster brother, Matthew. Tammy describes him as a soft-spoken young man, “a good, good kid with a heart of gold.” Shady loves card games, sports, and anything that involves running – he was at the top of his division in high school.

He plans to attend Bristol Community College as his next step. Shady already knows that his learning can take him far. He sees teaching himself a language as his biggest accomplishment so far. When he came to the United States, he didn’t speak any English yet. He purchased books, watched videos, and taught himself to speak fluent English.