Blog
Aging Out and Rising Up: Dr. Kira Henderson’s Journey from Care to Independence
As youth age out of the child welfare system, many face an uncertain and daunting transition into adulthood. Without proper support, they must navigate the complexities of independence. Statistics show that roughly 20% of youth who age out of the system will experience homelessness within the first few years, and many struggle to secure stable housing, employment, or education.
For Dr. Kira Henderson, this transition was not the end, but the beginning of a powerful journey toward determination, self-sufficiency, and success. Her story is a testament to the strength of proper support, commitment, and the belief that even the toughest circumstances can lead to extraordinary achievements.
At just 16 years old, Dr. Henderson was pregnant and living with her grandmother, who had become her primary caregiver after the loss of her father. “I was a minor, pregnant, and I needed medical coverage for myself and my baby,” she recalls. “That’s how I ended up in the system.” For a young woman in need of health insurance, the child welfare system provided a necessary lifeline. With a mother who worked long hours and didn’t have health insurance, the system gave Dr. Henderson access to medical benefits for her growing family.
As Dr. Henderson grew older and her situation changed, so did her need for the system. By the time she turned 18, she gained valuable work experience in daycare, steadily climbing the ranks from assistant teacher to group supervisor. When the opportunity to become a daycare director presented itself, it came with the benefits she and her son needed. “When I had those benefits, I knew there was no need to stay in the system,” Dr. Henderson says. “I now had something that would cover us, and I felt like it was time to move on.”
Dr. Henderson and Jordan starting kindergarten.
While this decision marked the start of her independence, Dr. Henderson quickly realized that the road to self-sufficiency was not without its bumps. She soon discovered that the job she had secured didn’t offer benefits during the summer months. “I wish I would have known that,” she admits, acknowledging that the lack of summer benefits led her to scrambling for alternative solutions.
Despite these obstacles, Dr. Henderson pushed forward, determined to provide a better life for her son. She enrolled in college while juggling full-time work and parenting, setting strict goals for herself. “It wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about my child,” she says. “I wanted to have my bachelor’s degree by the time my son was in kindergarten.” Her focus and drive enabled her to succeed. She achieved her goals while making sure her son had a secure, stable upbringing.
Dr. Kira Henderson and Jordan at her Masters graduation
Even as Dr. Henderson faced hardships, such as the sudden death of her grandmother and the unexpected inheritance of a family home riddled with debt, she continued to persevere. “I wasn’t prepared for that,” she reflects. “But with the support of my daycare director and Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, I was able to get a lawyer and manage the situation. At 18, I ended up buying a house. It was unbelievable, but with the right support, anything is possible.”
Today, Dr. Henderson’s success stands as a beacon of hope for other youth aging out of the child welfare system. She believes that the system can do more to help youth navigate their transition to adulthood, offering more personalized support based on interests and career paths. “It’s not enough to just check boxes,” she says. “If the system could focus more on a person’s interests and career goals, it would make a huge difference.”
Her advice to youth currently in care is simple yet powerful: “Get a good support system. Find an older adult you trust who has experience. And never be afraid to ask questions.” Dr. Henderson believes that the welfare system should offer reassurance, letting youth know that they can return for help if needed, and giving them the tools to succeed.
Dr. Henderson and Jordan attending the Who’s Next in Education Award Ceremony
“Utilize everything the system has to offer until you can stand on your own two feet,” she says. “Then, when you progress, make room for others who need it.”
Dr. Kira Henderson’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of community support, and the strength that comes from believing in yourself. Her story proves that while the path out of the child welfare system can be challenging, it’s possible to create your own success with determination, hard work, and the right support along the way.