In the summer of 2023, Sunrise celebrated three high school graduates in its independent living program. Austin Burnes was one of those graduates. Austin completed his high school credits in December 2022 and officially graduated and walked in May 2023. He was the first to graduate from high school and the first to attend college. At the time, Austin had recently entered the Sunrise independent living program in Paducah and had just enrolled in West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC).
This was just the beginning for Austin. Sort of. Austin’s time with Sunrise actually began when he was placed in Sunrise foster care at age 14. “When I was growing up, I didn’t have parents to teach me. I needed to find a way and support. But I didn’t have anybody to give me that,” said Austin. “Sunrise gave me support. They helped find a way.”
Austin also found support from another source. “My past life was rough, having to survive on my own – I even had to teach my sister – but God always supplied a way.”
By following God, trusting in Sunrise, and believing in himself, Austin made a major life decision. “It wasn’t in my heart to get adopted. I was very independent,” he explained. Instead, he chose to enter Sunrise’s independent living program. Over the two years that he was in the program, he graduated from college, earning a construction degree from WKCTC; obtained and maintained full time employment for more than a year at Plaza Tires in Paducah; purchased a truck and maintained auto insurance; and opened a savings account.
Austin has recently moved into his own apartment outside of independent living and has bigger dreams. “I want to buy my own home eventually,” he said. “Also, I’m remaining in college to start my own tinting business and clothing brand.”
Austin recognizes that he couldn’t have accomplished all of this without Sunrise. “Sunrise is a good program. Without Sunrise, I wouldn’t have changed,” he stated. “They have opened those doors for me.”
Two things that Austin enjoyed most from being a part of Sunrise’s independent living program were attending the life skills classes and attending an independent living event in Louisville. The life skills classes were especially significant because that is where he learned, and is still learning, money management skills. At the Louisville event, he was able to hear exceptional motivational speakers. “I love hearing how God has worked in peoples’ lives,” said Austin.
Austin wants what he learned to benefit others. For anyone interested in Sunrise independent living, he has this to say: “Allow Sunrise to help you. Take advantage of independent living as much as you can. They are there to help you, not break you.”
Through his faith and persistence, and through help he found at Sunrise, Austin is determined that life will not break him. And now he, like the people he heard speak in Louisville, is an example of how God can work in peoples’ lives. For Austin, one success has led, and is leading, to many more.
