Her Story
About Tihesha Horton
From Foster Care to Purpose
From Foster
to Fortune
My name is Tihesha Horton, and my story is one of resilience, faith, healing, advocacy, and courage.
I spent my childhood in foster care until the age of 18. Throughout my journey, I experienced many of the challenges that countless children and families face every day — family instability, mental health struggles, and substance abuse within my family. There were moments when I felt unseen, uncertain, and alone.
But through those experiences, I discovered something powerful: our circumstances do not determine our future.
What began as pain became purpose.
Today, I am an Author, Speaker, Foster Care Advocate, Certified Peer Support Specialist, and Community Leader dedicated to helping children, youth, families, and individuals discover their strength and reclaim their voice.
Peer Support Advocacy
As a Certified Peer Support Specialist, I use my lived experiences to encourage others facing mental health challenges, trauma, recovery, and life transitions. I believe healing happens when people feel seen, heard, understood, and supported.
My goal is to walk alongside others, helping them recognize that recovery, growth, and transformation are possible — no matter where they are starting from.
I created A Journey to Courage: Foster to Fortune™ to inspire hope, healing, resilience, and empowerment. Through books, workshops, speaking engagements, peer support advocacy, and educational resources, I help individuals understand that their past does not define their future.
Debut Children's Book
My Backpack of Courage
Written from the heart, My Backpack of Courage was created to provide children with the encouragement I wish I had during my own foster care journey. It serves as a reminder that courage, strength, hope, and healing can travel with them wherever they go.
"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up."
— Psalm 27:10
Those words carried me through my darkest moments. They reminded me that even when I felt completely alone, I was never truly forsaken.
The Mission
Helping Children Discover Courage
To empower children, families, and communities through education, peer support, advocacy, faith, and storytelling.
Stories
Using the power of narrative to help children see themselves as the heroes of their own lives.
Education
Equipping caregivers, educators, and social workers with tools to nurture resilience in children.
Advocacy
Speaking truth to power on behalf of every child in the foster care system who deserves to be seen.
Areas of Advocacy
Because every child deserves to know:
You Matter. You Belong. Your Story Isn't Over.
— Tihesha Horton
Author · Speaker · Advocate · Peer Support Specialist