When Alseny arrived in the United States from Guinea, he did so with courage and purpose. He was seeking a safer future for himself and the opportunity to support his mother back home. Like many unaccompanied minors, he came to the U.S. without parents or legal guardians and initially lived in an unaccompanied minor shelter.
A Pathway to Stability for Unaccompanied Minors
After becoming eligible for the Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program, Alseny was referred to Catholic Charities Community Services in April 2025. From that moment forward, a team walked alongside him, offering consistent guidance, encouragement, and support as he worked toward building an independent life.
Over the past year, Catholic Charities stepped in to provide Alseny with the stability and structure needed for long-term growth. Through the Unaccompanied Minor Foster Care program, he was placed with a foster family who offered a supportive home while he completed high school and began planning for adulthood.
Supportive Case Management Builds Confidence
His case management team worked closely with him not only to address immediate needs but to help him develop confidence, self-advocacy, and the ability to navigate life on his own.
Over time, Alseny learned how to speak up for himself, ask for help when needed, and make thoughtful decisions about his future. These skills, built through trust and consistency, became a foundation for everything that followed.
“Working with my case manager has made a big difference for me. I felt supported and understood, and she helped me stay motivated and kept pushing me to do the right thing,” Alseny said.
The Transition to Independent Living
As Alseny approached adulthood, his team focused on helping him prepare for the next stage of life. In April 2026, shortly after turning 18, Alseny transitioned from foster care into his own apartment, a significant milestone that reflected months of planning, learning, and growth.
This transition was not a single moment but the result of steady support. Catholic Charities staff helped coordinate resources, guide budgeting and planning, and ensure Alseny felt ready and capable of taking this step.
Continued Growth Through Mentorship and Skill-Building
Today, he continues strengthening his independence through the Keys to Success mentoring program and by enrolling in driving classes, both of which are helping expand his confidence and opportunities.
Education and career planning have remained central throughout Alseny’s journey. With support from his case management team, he was connected to the One Refugee program last year, which provides financial assistance, mentorship, and enrichment for refugee students pursuing higher education.
Maintaining Focus on Career Goals
With that encouragement and support, Alseny applied for an electrician apprenticeship and plans to begin classes at Glendale Community College in August. This path reflects his determination to build a stable career and create lasting opportunities for himself.
In addition, Alseny is beginning a caregiving training program, which will allow him to work as a caregiver over the summer. He is eager to continue learning, gaining experience, and expanding his skill set as he prepares for the future.
“I feel hopeful about my future now. I have clearer goals, and I actually believe I can reach them with the support I have,” Alseny added.
Consistent Support Leads to Academic and Personal Success
This spring, members of the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Foster Care team attended Alseny’s high school graduation, celebrating a milestone that represents far more than academic achievement. Alseny graduated with an impressive 3.8 GPA, a reflection of his hard work, perseverance, and commitment to building a meaningful future.
He credits Unaccompanied Minor Foster Care with helping him grow both academically and personally. Reflecting on his experience, Alseny shared, “This program has really helped me feel more prepared for my next step, and it’s given me more confidence in myself.”
Alseny is a thoughtful, driven young man who consistently goes above and beyond in his educational and career goals. His journey shows what is possible when unaccompanied youth are met with steady support, genuine care, and a team committed to walking alongside them as they step into independence.
