For most teenagers, learning to drive is something they look forward to for years. It means freedom, independence and the ability to go where they need to go without asking for a ride.
But for many youth in foster care across Mississippi, getting a driver’s license is not a given. It is complicated and, at times, feels entirely out of reach.
There is no consistent adult to practice with, no one to help navigate paperwork and no extra time or resources to figure out what comes next.
Without a license, something as simple as getting to work, school or an appointment becomes another barrier.
That is where Sunnybrook steps in.
More Than Just a License
At Sunnybrook, preparing youth for adulthood means addressing real-life barriers head-on. A driver’s license is not just about driving. It’s about access.
It’s the ability to say yes to a job, make it to class and show up. For some youth, it’s even their first official form of identification, their first tangible step into adulthood.
That’s what makes Sunnybrook’s Driver’s Education program so important.
Yolanda Montgomery, who leads the program, sees that impact every day.
“You have some who are really excited,” she said. “They’re grateful that someone took the time to help them.”
Others come in unsure, even hesitant. Some are carrying more than most teenagers ever should.
But that does not make the opportunity any less important. If anything, it makes it more important.
Building Something That Didn’t Exist Before
When Yolanda joined Sunnybrook in July 2024, the program was still in its early stages.
A few classes had taken place, but it wasn’t yet what it is today.
What started with just 60 participants has expanded to nearly 500 youth in 82 counties. Hundreds have already earned permits and licenses, and many are gaining the driving hours they need to get there.
Last year alone, 130 foster youth across the state earned their driver’s license and 90 secured their Learner’s Permit through Sunnybrook’s Driver’s Education program.
But growth like that doesn’t happen on its own. It takes time, dedication and someone whose countenance emits love and joy. It takes Yolanda and a handful of people dedicated to the mission.
Because this is a statewide program, it requires constant coordination. Sunnybrook offers virtual permit-prep classes so youth in any part of Mississippi can participate. In-person sessions are held during school breaks, when youth have the time and flexibility to attend.
Those sessions include both classroom instruction and time behind the wheel. And they don’t just happen in one place. Sunnybrook partners with organizations across the state to meet youth where they are.
The Work Behind the Work
To build the program, Yolanda traveled across Mississippi meeting with CPS offices, introducing the program, and helping caseworkers understand how it could support the youth they serve.
“You can’t just send an email or make a phone call,” she said.
Relationships matter. Trust matters. Sometimes, showing up in person is what makes the difference
Especially in a system where caseworkers are stretched thin and turnover is high.
“I had to build a lot of relationships at first. The CPS workers are very busy, so it takes a lot out of their schedule to just stop and talk with you,” she said. “When I meet with them a lot of time, I bring snack bags for them to show them they are appreciated. They just love that because they feel like no one ever thinks about them and only contact them when they want something. But they are appreciated! We couldn’t do this without them.”
The Barriers Are Real
For most families, getting a driver’s license is a shared experience. A parent helps gather documents, sits in the passenger seat and signs the forms.
For foster youth, those pieces are not always in place. Some do not have access to required documents. Others do not have someone who can log driving hours with them. For youth younger than 17, an adult must take legal responsibility for them behind the wheel. That alone can stop the process before it even starts.
There is progress on the horizon. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, driver’s education will be required in all Mississippi public schools. But even with that change, many foster youth have multiple placements during their high school careers and this disruption will continue to be a distinct disadvantage for foster youth. That is where this program continues to matter.
Ron Veazey, interim executive director at Sunnybrook, said 97% of the kids who leave foster care do not have a driver’s license.
“What started with some initial limited state support has grown into something we fully believe in,” he said. “We saw such a clear need, and we quickly realized that this was a transformational ministry to foster youth. A driver’s license is a turning point for these kids, especially in Mississippi with a limited public transportation system and we’re committed to sustaining this program because it gives them a real path to independence and jobs.”
Why Yolanda Does This Work
What stands out most about Yolanda isn’t just what she does. It’s how much she pours into it.
Her role goes far beyond coordinating classes.
She studies with youth before tests. Helps gather documents. Drives them to the DMV. Follows up when they miss a class. Encourages them when they feel like giving up.
“I can’t even count the hours,” she said. “It’s countless.”
“I’m in this field to help kids. This is something they truly need, and many of them do not have anyone to help them. I hate seeing a child go without, especially with everything they are already facing. To see the smile on their face when they can say, ‘Hey, I did this. I got this,’ that’s the fulfillment for me.”
And sometimes, it’s the smallest moments that stay with her.
Like the young man who, after earning his permit with Yolanda’s help, paused and said, “Let me thank God for you.”
Or the young woman she worked with every night for two weeks, only to miss passing her test by a few points. The disappointment shook her confidence so deeply it took months before she would try again. These moments are why the program matters. It’s not just about getting behind the wheel. It’s about helping young people take a step forward when it would be easier to give up.
Small Wins That Change Everything
For many of these youth, earning a permit or license is the first time they’ve completed something entirely on their own.
That matters.
It builds confidence, creates momentum, and it opens doors.
“Just knowing that they’ve done something on their own is a big plus,” Yolanda said.
Some have already stepped into jobs. Some have purchased their first cars. Others are still in the early stages, working toward that moment. But every step forward matters.
Looking Ahead
The need for this program continues to grow. More referrals are coming in from across the state, and more youth need access to instructors, driving time and support.
Sunnybrook is working to expand by adding instructors, increasing access to special training vehicles equipped with a passenger-side brake, and continuing to build partnerships that allow the program to reach youth wherever they are.
For these young people, something as simple as a driver’s license can change everything.
How You Can Help
Programs like this do not happen without support. You can be part of helping Mississippi’s foster youth take the next step toward independence.
Your support helps provide driver’s education, hands-on training and the guidance these young people need to move forward with confidence.
Give today. Share this story. Help open the road to independence for a young person who deserves the opportunity to succeed.