Photographed by Ralph Granich
The Holloman Jones-Harrison Family
The Holloman Jones-Harrison Family
Most of Kenya Holloman's childhood was spent living in foster care. Kenya entered the system at age 4 and emancipated at age 18. However, Kenya has had a permanent family since age 11. When she was 9 years old and living in a group home, Kenya met staff member Sharon Jones-Harrison. After 2 years of bonding with Kenya, Sharon decided to take Kenya into her home. Following years of multiple placements and a seemingly endless chain of social workers, Kenya was hesitant about opening up to Sharon, her husband Bruce, and their son. She had doubts that the Jones-Harrison house would ever really be her home. Over time their family blossomed and Kenya eventually felt safe and loved. Kenya now sits on Alameda County's Youth Adult Partnership (YAP) Advisory Board, which is made up of emancipated foster youth and adult stakeholders who come together to help reform foster care and after-care practices. She will be adopted by Sharon Jones-Harrison and Bruce Harrison following her college graduation in 2009, at age 22.