Actress, comedian, producer, author, and philanthropist Tiffany Haddish visited the foster youth at Sycamores’ El Nido residential campus, delivering an unforgettable message of hope, resilience, and empowerment. Her visit came just one day after the youth returned to campus following an evacuation due to the Eaton Fire.
Before meeting with the young residents, Haddish toured the campus with Sycamores staff, learning more about the support and care provided to youth who have faced significant challenges. Drawing from her own experiences in the foster care system, she shared an open and honest conversation with the boys about overcoming adversity and turning struggles into strengths.
“I’ve always been the type of person that tries to find the bright side, even in the darkest situations,” Haddish told the assembled youth and staff. “Where’s the funny in this? Where’s the lesson in this? How can I grow from this?”
Haddish, who entered foster care at age 13 and lived in multiple homes, spoke candidly about the anger she carried and the trouble she got into as a result. She shared how she eventually found healthier ways to cope—most notably through comedy. She also recalled the challenges of emancipation at 18, when she experienced homelessness before finding stability in a transitional independent living program. “What’s important is believing in yourself,” she emphasized, encouraging the youth to recognize that every hardship they endure is preparing them for success.
Beyond sharing her story, Haddish took action to support the youth. Through her She Ready Foundation, she provided each of the boys with a brand-new suitcase, a deeply personal gesture. “When I moved from house to house with all my stuff in trash bags, I felt like garbage,” she said. “I’ll never forget the day somebody gave me a suitcase—it made me feel like a person. Like I was a traveler, like I was on an adventure instead of being garbage moving from place to place. It gave me a sense of pride.”
In addition to the suitcases, the foundation gifted each of the boys with a T-shirt and a copy of one of her books. The She Ready Foundation also announced a special mentorship initiative, they have recruited ten men from the community to serve as mentors for the boys. As part of their commitment, each mentor is contributing up to $300 to take the youth on a shopping spree to replace clothing that was damaged by smoke from the Eaton Fire.
Haddish left the youth with her three secrets to achieving their goals:
- Believe in yourself more than anyone else believes in you.
- Do at least one thing every day toward your goal.
- Know exactly what it is you want.
With her trademark humor, warmth, and authenticity, Tiffany Haddish uplifted and inspired the young residents of Sycamores, proving that no obstacle is insurmountable. Her visit was a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of paying it forward, sharing with the boys that they, too, can overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.
“Tiffany’s visit was an incredible gift to our youth. Her honesty, resilience, and generosity showed them that their past does not define their future,” said Sycamores President and CEO Debbie Manners. “At Sycamores, we are committed to providing the support and opportunities young people need to build a better life, and Tiffany’s message reinforced they can achieve their dreams. We are deeply grateful for her kindness and the work of the She Ready Foundation.”
