WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — On the day she turned 18, Keira sat down with Forever Family to talk about growing up in care alongside her two brothers — and why having a steady support system made all the difference. Now, with college acceptance letters arriving, Keira says JAFCO Children’s Village has given her the foundation to dream big and a place to call home while she’s away at school.

Keira and her brothers moved to JAFCO a few years ago. For Keira, the ability to stay with her siblings was life-changing.

“Having people listen to what you need just coming here, it raises a lot of support,” Keira told us.

Justin Kohlhagen, Psy.D., CEO of JAFCO, says keeping siblings together is a priority.

“It’s already such a trauma if a child is being removed from home; then to get separated from siblings is such a tragedy. One of the most special things about JAFCO is our commitment to keep those groups together,” Kohlhagen said.

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Keira says that support has meant everything.

“That was really important for me because most places don’t really give you the ability to stay with them. It’s pretty great — we all have our own room.”

JAFCO provides more than just housing. Residents receive therapy, educational support, and help pursuing extracurricular interests.

“It’s their form of self-expression that they may not have had the luxury of having,” said Christina Abanto, BSSW, Educational Navigator at JAFCO.

Keira says the organization has supported her goals in countless ways.

“Honestly, they provide anything I need — if I have a debate competition, if I need something to wear, or help paying for photography because that’s one of my interests.”

Abanto says she’s watched Keira grow into a leader.

“It’s just so incredible to see all the things she’s been able to do since she’s joined us here. She has really been able to grow as a leader. I think JAFCO is the perfect testament of what happens when a child has the love and attention they need.”

That support has also included help navigating the college application process.

“There’s a lot of things I have to fill out for financial aid and things I really don’t know the answer to,” Keira said.

As her social worker and educational navigator, Abanto is there to answer those questions and provide guidance every step of the way.

“I think their situation shouldn’t be something that stops them from living the life of their dreams,” Abanto said.

As Keira prepares to head off to college, JAFCO will continue to offer her a place to return during breaks and whenever she needs support — a safety net that allows her to focus on building her future.

To learn more about JAFCO and how you can get involved, visit jafco.org.

For more Forever Family stories, visit ForeverFamily.org, in partnership with ChildNet and The Boca Raton.