#FCM Weekly Highlights: Needs of Foster Youth, Eileen & Callie's Place...
Needs of Foster Children During COVID-19
This week, Africatown Media highlighted the needs of foster children during COVID-19. What I appreciated is they addressed how foster youth can already feel invisible due to their circumstances. They emphasized how COVID-19 can increase these feelings and what the community can do to help.
Back in March, I had the chance to appear on the Africatown morning show as Ms. Evergreen State 2020. I want to thank them for mentioning in the clip below my platform, ‘A Chance To Succeed: Empowering Youth in Foster Care'. It’s an honor knowing I get to help people during a tough time.
Eileen & Callie’s Place
One organization I’ve enjoyed volunteering for is Eileen and Callie's Place. They provide mentoring and resources to young women aging out of foster care. Young women leaving care face unique challenges such as finding gainful employment, healthy relationships, and guidance on transitioning to adulthood. The volunteers do a wonderful job of helping the girls feel welcomed, seen, and cherished.
Jamerika with Dr. Natalie Ellington, Founder & Executive Director of Eileen & Callie’s Place, at the 4th Annual E&C Breakfast Benefit
Alumni Corner
Lura Landon is from Sumner, Washington. She spent twelve years in foster care before aging out at 18. Her foster care experience included living with grandparents, relatives, and several foster and respite homes. She feels that foster care made her more resilient than most of her peers.
“Looking back I wished I knew more about how the trauma I endured would affect me throughout my life,” Lura said. “As an adult, I’ve spent hundreds of dollars and hours trying to untangle the negative self talk that has influenced my being to the core.” Lura’s fifteen years of volunteer service with organizations that impact youth and alumni in care has been a huge part in her healing process.
“I am forever grateful for every single [foster] alumni I’ve met across the country,” Lura said. “They all have so much to share.” Lura believes every adult involved with at-risk and foster youth needs to ensure every life they touch has value, purpose, and potential.
Lura adds “Without first addressing the generational trauma in the families they work with, the progress toward healing and success will be hampered, potentially for life.”
Lura at the Benson Hotel in Portland, OR
From Social
“Thank you for reminding people about love and hope and what really matters!! God bless you!”
- Kathryn from Twitter