PHOENIX, AZ — For most teenagers and young adults, getting a driver's license and buying a first car is a milestone.
For former foster youth like Abraham Martinez, it's a life-changing step toward independence.
After spending much of his life in foster care, Abraham recently purchased his first vehicle with help from Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation's Keys to Success program.
The program teaches financial literacy, budgeting, and long-term planning while helping participants save toward major goals. Youth who save $3,000 toward a vehicle purchase receive a matching $3,000 contribution from the foundation.
Since launching, the program has helped more than 100 young adults purchase reliable transportation, giving them access to work, school, and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
ABC15's Cameron Polom caught up with Abraham to see how owning his first car has changed his life, boosted his confidence, and helped him move closer to the future he's building for himself.
Watch the story in the video player above.
