Connecticut Families: Former foster child thrives after visiting Peru with Sun Scholars Inc.

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A young man who was part of the foster care system took a life-changing journey to Peru.

“Growing up in foster care, I struggled with education, I struggled with trusting people,” said Zion Caines, who also struggled as he was heading to college.

Then, he became involved with SUN Scholars Inc. , a non-profit that partners with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families to guide youth. Staff there taught him study skills and organization.

“I was getting like Cs and Ds and they helped me get from Cs and Ds to As and Bs,” he said.

Caines also recently accompanied SUN Scholars on a trip to Peru, funded by the Robert and Anthony Dudchik Memorial Fund , created after the loss of two brothers who were adopted.
Rob loved to travel and had been to this South American country.

“Traveling outside the country is something you’d never dream of,” Caines said of this incredible experience.

“In Peru, we went to Machu Picchu and Nazca lines. We did a tour of Lima,” said Executive Director Chris Scott, who believes the experience gave Caines- and others- a new perspective.

“For us, having grown up in foster care, having come from lives where we’ve been homeless, we’ve come from hardship, you go to Peru and recognize the global privileges that we still have,” Scott said. “You come back to the United States and think, ‘I haven’t had it easy necessarily but I have so many opportunities to grow my life.'”

Caines, a student at Central Connecticut State University , is now studying to become a social worker. He’s also creating a comic book with a hero who guides youth.

“It’s been a big turnaround for me,” he said.

This 20-year-old is grateful to SUN Scholars and excited for the future.

“They really helped me get back on track with grades and find my major,” Caines said. “If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be at where I’m at.”

In 2025, SUN Scholars is creating “a year of giving” where the young adults will lead community projects and then travel to a national park.

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