For Erick, success has never been about forgetting where he came from. It’s about honoring the people and experiences that helped him get where he is today.

A 2023 graduate of our Branching Out Independent Living Program, Erick continues to build on the foundation he created at OHB, thanks to the financial support provided by the OHB Scholarship.

In 2024, Erick had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., for a foster youth internship where he helped influence child welfare legislation and worked in Congressman Don Bacon’s office. To prepare, he needed professional clothing, something he didn’t have.

With help from the OHB Scholarship, Erick purchased suits for his internship, the same ones he still wears proudly today.

“Honestly, getting the suits was a lifesaver because I had no idea where to get cost-efficient suits from,” said Erick.

That same scholarship continues to support him today as he serves in the Air Force ROTC program, where he’s learning the values that guide every cadet: Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do. Those words resonate deeply with Erick because they’re the same values he saw modeled every day at OHB.

During his ROTC experience, Erick earned several challenge coins, a long-standing military tradition that symbolizes respect, achievement, and shared purpose. These coins are often exchanged as tokens of gratitude and honor.

“People share challenge coins for different reasons,” said Erick. “But for me, I like to give challenge coins to people who do amazing work and who have not only helped me but also helped others and do a lot of good work within the community.”

When it came time for Erick to pass one of his challenge coins on, he knew exactly who should receive it: Bailey, the Chair of OHB’s Scholarship Committee.

“Giving that coin to Bailey was my way of showing appreciation, not only to OHB but to Bailey for helping me through this process, especially with my master’s program, ”Erick explained. “I appreciate the work they’re doing. Taking the long workdays, the long hours, to help build others through these programs.”

That moment of gratitude brought Erick’s journey full circle, from being the one receiving support to now honoring those who continue to lift others up.

“Going from not being the best high school student and growing up in the foster care system to where I am now, I’m definitely proud of how far I’ve come,” said Erick. “I never thought I’d be in a situation like this where I’m getting all of these amazing opportunities and furthering my education so much.”