by Whittney Gilliard | Oct 31, 2025 | Foster Care
The Power of Connection and Guidance For youth in the foster care system, trust and consistency are rare commodities. Mentorship offers both. When a caring adult commits to showing up regularly, it creates a foundation of safety and belief. Mentors remind youth that...
by Whittney Gilliard | Oct 17, 2025 | Foster Care
How Creative Expression Supports Trauma Recovery Youth in the foster care system often carry emotional wounds from neglect, separation, or abuse. Traditional talk therapy isn’t always enough—some emotions are too complex or too painful to verbalize. Art and creative...
by Whittney Gilliard | Oct 3, 2025 | Foster Care
ILP and Career Readiness for Foster Youth Preparing Youth for the Workforce Independent Living Programs (ILPs) are designed to bridge the gap between foster care and independent adulthood. A major component of this bridge is career readiness. Youth who age out without...
by Whittney Gilliard | Sep 19, 2025 | Foster Care
Beyond Buzzwords—Real Change for Youth in Foster Care When people hear “foster care reform,” they may think only of laws and regulations. However, true reform is more than just legislation—it’s about transforming how the system operates for the youth it serves. Reform...
by Whittney Gilliard | Sep 5, 2025 | Foster Care
Understanding the Challenges and Solutions for Academic Success Education is a critical pathway to independence and stability, yet youth in the foster care system often face interrupted schooling and lower graduation rates. According to national studies, they are more...
by Whittney Gilliard | Aug 22, 2025 | Foster Care
Why It Matters for Youth in the Foster Care System A community does more than provide a backdrop for growing up—it provides connection, identity, and opportunity. For youth in the foster care system, whose lives may be marked by instability, the presence of a caring...