May 2010 Face of a Foster Care Graduate – Tanya Cooper
May 5, 2010
Our May feature comes to us from New York. She was in foster care from age five through twenty-one. As you read her story, it will become clear why she is a remarkable example of a survivor. Please welcome Tanya …….
Name: Tanya Cooper
State: New York
Occupation: Author/Motivational Speaker/Child Advocate
Website: tanya-onthetown.blogspot.com
Tanya Cooper
I am 45 years old with 2 beautiful girls, ages 13 and 21. I went to the Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.) in New York City for 2 years. During my time at F.I.T. I was awarded a contract as a Runway Model in Paris. After returning to the states, I went back to school and graduated from New York University in 1996.
My Time in Foster Care
I was in foster care from age 5-21. My mom was a heroin addict and alcoholic who would leave us for weeks without food and sometimes lights. I have 4 siblings and my 5 year old sister became our mother; changing diapers and stealing food for us to eat. By the time we came into the foster care system, we were malnourished. We had never been to school or around many people as we only left the house to steal food. Once in awhile, we would be able to go and get food from one of my mom’s 9 siblings, (all but 3 of them were on drugs). My baby brother (who would now be 41) was adopted when he was around 2 or 3 so he only spent the first couple of years with us in foster care. My other brother Rob, I grew up with and we stayed together until I was 18. At this point, I left my 2nd foster home after it was DISCOVERED that I was being molested by two of the foster brothers and used as a sex slave for years, since age 9. My sister who I have contact with now, is doing okay but on medications due to her experience with foster care.
Tanya's Modeling Days in Paris
After Foster Care
In addition to the challenges I faced in foster care, I have also survived being homeless two times, being a single mother, and having cancer. For the last 8 years I was a substance abuse counselor working with adolescents and kids over 15. I recently finished writing a book about my story of survival called “Surviving foster care & Making it work for you!” I hope to have it published by Summer of 2010.
My Mission
I am trying to make a difference in foster kids lives because it is hard without family. My brother Rob just died in July (just before his 42nd birthday) of heart disease. He was my favorite person, always lifting me up when we were kids. I survived because he always knew how to pick me up. Imagine a kid who does not have anyone to pick them up? I want to do seminars and teach kids that no matter what happens, get back up and live your best life now!
Rob
Growing up in the system was no easy task. Remembering what it was like as a foster kid, wondering around in the dark, never knowing the answers to life. I want to share words of encouragement, help anyone who was in foster care and I want kids to start taking control of their lives now. Please view my blog of encouragement: tanya-onthetown.blogspot.com.
Comments
3 Responses to “May 2010 Face of a Foster Care Graduate – Tanya Cooper”
Got something to say?
Tanya, Your an amazing person. The thought comes to mind. When is it time to give up? or to just quit on everything? The answer is never. Because when you give up. You will never see the victory in this life that can be yours. When you work hard to earn it and to become worthy to live it. Miss Tanya has made herself worthy.
Tonya, my gosh, my heart goes out to you! You have made great strides in your life but you sound as if maybe there is still so much pain inside. I hope you find peace in your calling in life…I’m so super proud of you because you made it out alive and safe despite your dark journey…I wish you great luck with your book and I will be looking for it.
Contact me if you ever need anything via the contact form on my website http://www.lifecoachcapri.com
Blessings to you! And I’m real sorry for the loss of your brother. Truly.
thank you Capri, your work is important and I will let you know when the book is out, hopefully by the end of this month…Tanya