Beating the Odds...Have you met Jason, Collins Home's Newest College Student?

“Even the greatest were beginners. Don’t be afraid to take that first step.” - Unknown

Recently, we proudly moved one of our young men into his college dorm at Coastal Carolina University, and just like that, we became Coastal Carolina fans!

Don't worry, we still love our Clemson Tigers, but now Coastal holds a piece of our heart as well.

(Jason is the student our Collins Home community helped purchase the items needed to set up his college dorm room. )

Learn More About Jason's Journey

Jason has been a part of our Collins Home family since he was 15 years old, and we could not be prouder of him.

Over the years, we have laughed, cried, cheered, and lived life with Jason as he experienced many milestones that come with adolescence and growing up.

We were his biggest advocates when he wanted to play football and wrestle in high school. But, we stood firm as we insisted, he had to keep his grades up to participate.

We fastened our seat belts and said lots of prayers as he learned to drive. And beamed proudly as we took the obligatory picture outside the DMV when he received his driver's license.

We were there for him for his first date and his first breakup.

Attending college is an accomplishment for many, but for a young adult living in foster care, it is a significant achievement.

Through a lot of hard work and the support of his Collins Home family and community, Jason is on a path to achieve his goal of becoming a teacher and coach.

Jason is On the Way to Beating the Odds

Statistically, the odds are stacked against him. The National Youth Foster Institution states that high school dropout rates are three times higher for foster youth than other low-income children.

Nationwide, only about half of the youth raised in foster care end up finishing high school, and less than 3% graduate from a four-year college.

Our goal, at Collins Home, is to beat the odds against our children and youth.

Just this year alone, we celebrated FOUR high school graduations!

And now we are excited to be parenting a college student with everything that entails. It's hard to believe we are over halfway through a semester already.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Our Collins Home Community Makes It Possible

Our children and young people would not be able to accomplish goals or overcome obstacles set before them if it were not for our generous and caring community.

We are thankful for each sacrificial gift that is given to help us continue to provide a safe and loving environment for some very deserving kids.

During this Christmas season, we ask that you lift Jason and Collins Children's Home in prayer as we continue to care for children and instill in them that through Christ, all things are possible.

May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!