BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Imagine starting out on your own with nothing. That’s exactly what foster kids have to do when they turn 18. But Saturday they got help from the community.

Stephanie Ortega is a former foster child.

"It’s very hard going through foster care because you don’t have that stability," Ortega said.

At 22, she has not only left the foster care program behind, she has successfully transitioned into adulthood. It wasn't always easy.

"I was in foster care since I was born I was adopted at age 2 and I was taken away from that family I was exposed to abuse and neglect,” Ortega said.

Her years in the foster care system left her feeling insecure.

"For me it was very hard I lived in multiple foster homes over 21 foster and group homes combined so it was very hard to find that stability and find that trust,” Ortega said.

When Ortega turned 18, she found herself facing the adult world alone.

"The system doesn't prepare you as much as it should when you are on your own you can't go back," Ortega said.

Now Ortega is supporting foster kids going through the same transition she did.

"They are youth that are aging out of the system when you turn 18 you age out which means no longer in the care of the courts or foster care," Ortega said.

Most will have started their lives on their own with nothing. So Aspiranet is joining forces with PODS to help these kids get a good start. They are collecting used furniture and other household items that will help former foster children get out on their own.

"It’s set somewhere deep in your heart because you know you can actually help someone along with yourself," said PODS Territory Manager Garrett Well.

Ortega says transitioning from foster care to adulthood isn't easy. But with the help of a generous community, Ortega said it can be made a little easier.

If you missed today’s event, you can still donate at the local PODS or call Garrett Well at 864-1810 for more information.

If your donation is big enough they will even come and pick it up.

Suggested donations include new or gently used sofas, chairs, dining sets, desks, small appliances, dishes, kitchen items and other household items. New bedding, sheets, pillows, baby cribs, mattresses, strollers, high-chairs and car seats also are needed for teens that are parents and new or gently used clothing for interviews or the workplace (suits, slacks, ties, shirts, blouses, skirts, dresses, shoes).