Dayton Teen Honored at White House for Foster Youth Advocacy

A remarkable achievement took place on February 3, 2023, when Jordan Deaton, a graduate of Northmont High School in Dayton, was honored at the White House for his advocacy work as a former foster youth. Deaton participated in an event organized by the Office of the First Lady and the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to highlight the First Lady’s Fostering the Future initiative, part of her broader Be Best program.

Deaton, now 19, described the experience as “amazing, awesome, and an honor.” He emphasized the importance of sharing his story, stating, “I want the world to know my experience because it’s important to show my peers and those younger than me that youth can make an impact.” His passion for advocacy stems from his own background, which includes both challenges and triumphs throughout his time in foster care.

Deaton’s journey has been marked by significant challenges. His adoptive parents, Sara Beth Deaton and Rodney Deaton, were indicted last summer on multiple charges related to alleged physical punishments inflicted on their six children, including Deaton. These incidents reportedly began in 2012, affecting children as young as one year old. Despite these adversities, Deaton asserts that his past has not defined him. “I have a lot of experience — a lot of good and a lot of pain — but it’s not holding me back,” he stated.

Recognition and Accomplishments

Deaton’s resilience has led to numerous accolades. He graduated with honors from Northmont in 2025 and received the Samuel Halperin Youth Public Service Award from the Children’s Defense Fund of Ohio. Additionally, he was named a 2025 PCSAO Leader of Tomorrow and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer in the Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, earning Distinguished Cadet honors along the way.

Heather Kirkland, a friend and former foster parent, voiced her pride in Deaton’s accomplishments. She noted that while many young people in similar situations may struggle, Deaton has chosen to transform his experiences into a force for good. “Jordan has chosen to take what has been meant for harm to make it good and to help others,” Kirkland said, highlighting his commitment to support other foster youth.

Deaton is actively involved with the Ohio Youth Advisory Board and participates in the Bridges Program, which assists young adults aged 18 to 21 who have aged out of foster care. This program focuses on helping participants transition to independent living. During the White House visit, Deaton was accompanied by representatives from the Ohio Department of Children and Youth, including Jeff Van Deusen, Assistant Director, and Lisa Carlin, his Bridges advocate.

During their visit, they engaged in discussions with key officials, including Sarah Gesiriech, the First Lady’s policy director, and Cody Inman, deputy assistant secretary for management. These meetings aimed to enhance foster youth’s access to essential services and improve their transition out of the foster care system.

A Day to Remember

The visit also included a private tour of the White House, which Deaton found fascinating. “Some of my favorite things were seeing all the different paintings of the presidents,” he recalled. He appreciated learning about the various rooms and their historical significance.

In a statement, Van Deusen praised Deaton for his advocacy, calling it an incredible honor to represent Ohio at the White House. “Jordan’s story is a shining example of resilience and what’s possible when young people are supported and encouraged,” he remarked.

Currently, Deaton is pursuing his education at Sinclair Community College and aims for a career in public service. He expressed a desire to inspire others within the foster care system, stating, “We have a voice and we know how to articulate it. We are victims but we won’t stay victims. We won’t stay down. We will change the world.”

Deaton’s story not only highlights the importance of advocacy for foster youth but also underscores the potential for positive change that can emerge from challenging circumstances.