Fostering Advocates Arizona

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Maria Goes to Washington D.C.!

September 7, 2017 by FAAZWebII Leave a Comment

One of twenty-two! That was FAAZ Young Adult Board Member, Maria Rodriguez, who was selected to participate in Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative’s Youth Leadership Institute (YLI).  The summer program took Maria from Arizona to Washington D.C. and into our Nation’s Capitol. Maria spent six days training on how to strategically share her story and advocacy agenda with elected officials who have the power to improve the foster care system.
 
“We had specific training about adolescent development, which is a topic that should be talked about. We made visits on Capitol Hill and shared our views about the expansion of foster care to age 21, especially for the states that don’t have it, and how it could benefit their young people.”
 
Maria believes youth voice is critical to change. For young people participating in the future, Maria says, “Be prepared to listen, but also, be prepared to speak and participate in the conversations too.” Maria found it cool to hear different points of view from across the nation, and more importantly how the views of her peers can make an impact on the system.
 
Although Maria is no stranger to advocating in D.C. and speaking to congressional members, she says she learned a lot through this experience and can’t wait to bring back her knowledge to Arizona.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Natalie’s Opportunity Passport™ Match!

August 21, 2017 by FAAZWebII Leave a Comment

Opportunities come and go, but for Natalie Murillo, her recent opportunity has been taking her places. Natalie purchased a 2012 Honda Accord with the support of the Opportunity Passport™ program. Natalie says she is thankful for the help she got because it would have taken her two to three times longer to save the money she needed to buy her car.

Not only did Natalie save money, she now saves time. “Growing up in the system, you are always on someone else’s time; going to work and appointments.” She shared freedom is a luxury that comes with owning a car. “Now, I am able to choose when and where I want to go,” said Natalie.

With her own savings in hand, Natalie was able to double her money through the program’s match savings funds. Ready to make her purchase, she met with Opportunity Passport Coordinator, Gerardo Novoa. She says Gerardo stayed with her through the entire process, from keeping in touch online until she drove off the dealership car lot. She is very thankful for the funds and support she received through the program and recommends anyone looking to purchase a car using Opportunity Passport stay connected to the staff.

“Keep in touch, one simple email,” she said. Although moving around from time to time can be part of life, Natalie highlighted, the support team from the Opportunity Passport™ program is there for you, not matter what the circumstance.

Filed Under: Opportunity Passport, Uncategorized Tagged With: aging out, Asset Program Match for Foster Young Adults, Fostering Advocates Arizona, Opportunity Passport Arizona, Opportunity Passport™, transition out of foster care, young adults, young adults aging out, youth in foster care

Living Foster Care

May 30, 2017 by FAAZWebII Leave a Comment

FAAZ Young Adult Board Member, Frank Smith, challenged Joe Jacober to “live foster care” through the FAAZ Day in the Life challenge. Joe’s challenge was to be patted down for an entire week every time he entered his home. This challenge reflected one of Frank’s own experiences while in foster care.

Frankly, it was humiliating.  Walking into my own house and being patted down seemed sad.  For what reason was I being patted down?  What are you looking for?  What do you think I am hiding?  Don’t you trust me?  These were the thoughts going through my head each time I came home,” Joe shared.

When asked how this challenge enhanced Joe’s understanding of the experiences some youth in foster care could face, he responded, “Having been a foster parent for more than 15 years, I thought I had a grasp of the issues faced by youth in foster care, but this challenged surprised me.  It is amazing to think that any child or young person would have to experience something like this. If there is such a lack of trust between me (or the youth in foster care), how would we ever have a growing and nurturing relationship if every time you greeted me you were saying … ” I don’t trust you”.  Not exactly a welcoming feeling.”

The Day in the Life blog series, is an effort spearheaded by the FAAZ Young Adult Leadership Board, to raise community awareness of the need for normalcy within foster care, supported under the Federal Strengthening Families Act (SFA). Moreover, with SFA, foster families have the support and trust they need to create “normal” living environments and experiences for youth in their care. This helps develop open and compassionate relationships between caregivers and youth to create trusting and stable relationships.

“I am often approached with questions about being a foster parent, but rarely about what it is like to be in foster care.  I learned that I need to be much more open and mindful of the experiences youth in foster care, especially older youth, may be going through, if I truly expect to be a good advocate for them,” Jacober.

A special thank you to Joe Jacober and Frank Smith for sharing their “Day in the Life” experiences!

Filed Under: Advocacy, Day in the Life, News

THINK BABIES!

May 22, 2017 by FAAZWebII Leave a Comment

FAAZ Young Adult Leadership Board Member, Stefani, is creating generations of advocates as her family traveled to Washington D.C. for  ZERO TO THREE’s Strolling Thunder Conference. Stefani, her husband Luis, and their two youngest boys, Christopher and Casper, represented Arizona as they joined babies and parents nationwide to “stroll up and roll up” to Washington and meet with their Congressional members.

Their main message, THINK BABIES!

The ZERO TO THREE, Think Babies Campaign, is focused on promoting the healthy development and foundation of babies in the first few critical years of their life through the promotion of early childhood programs and services.

Stefani and her family received a sponsorship through Southwest Human Development (SWHD), a local nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development, to attend Strolling Thunder. Stefani shared with members of Congress the positive impact  Southwest Human Development’s  Healthy Families Program had on her family,  helping her and Luis prepare for what to expect as new parents.

Stefani and Luis also spoke with Arizona’s Congressional leaders and staff on what it takes for families to raise healthy babies, including awareness of developmental milestones and early intervention.

Stefani is a proud advocate for the well-being of children, youth and families and hopes to inspire others to “stroll up and roll up” for the health and welfare of generations to come.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Opportunity Passport™ April Survey Month!

April 10, 2017 by FAAZWebII Leave a Comment

It’s that time again- Opportunity Passport™ April Survey Month! Young adults enrolled in the Opportunity Passport™ program NEED to complete their participant survey by Sunday, April 30th 2017. This is your chance to tell us how the program is working for you!

Why is this important? First, by completing the survey you automatically receive $$$$$40 (that’s like 8 coffees from Starbucks!). Secondly, by completing the survey it ensures you remain active in the program. The Opportunity Passport™ coordinator is reaching out to all enrolled youth, so be sure to check your voicemail’s and emails with survey details. When you are ready to take your survey, click HERE and on the right side bar you will see “TAKE THE SURVEY”!

For more information on how to take your survey, or if you are having trouble accessing your survey, reach out to the Opportunity Passport™ coordinator at: cynnetta.boykin@rescue.org

Filed Under: Moneywise, Opportunity Passport, Programs, Uncategorized

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