Glenkirk’s Post

When youth transition out of foster care, the challenges are significant—but so are the opportunities. Supervised Independent Living Programs (SILPs) can improve youth outcomes in higher education, stable employment, safe #Housing, and self-sufficiency. These programs are most effective when they’re inclusive and tailored to the unique needs of Black, Brown, and #LGBTQIA+ youth who are disproportionately impacted by foster care. By prioritizing funding, collaboration, and cultural competence, we can help more young people successfully transition to adulthood. Explore insights in our new policy report: https://lnkd.in/gbMpVmDn

Monday Motivation: A Magnificent Mission for Movement I'm incredibly fortunate to be spending time this week with the inspiring Bentley family. Their story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit. When their son, MJ, was diagnosed with Pallister-Killian Syndrome (PKS), a rare genetic disorder, they embarked on a remarkable journey to create a world of possibilities for MJ and children like him. Motion Junction is a tangible manifestation of their unwavering love and determination. This extraordinary playground is a meticulously designed space where every child, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of play and movement. From the moment they conceived this idea, the Bentleys faced countless hurdles – fundraising, navigating complex regulations, and overcoming the physical and emotional challenges of raising a child with special needs. But their passion and perseverance have created a place that is truly magical. As we celebrate Disability Awareness Month, it's essential to recognize the incredible impact individuals like the Bentleys have on our communities. Their work is a powerful reminder that inclusion is not just a buzzword, but a fundamental right. By creating spaces like Motion Junction, they are breaking down barriers and fostering a more compassionate and understanding world. Let's be inspired by the Bentley family's courage and commitment. Let's use this week to reflect on how we can contribute to a more inclusive society. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Learn More Here: https://lnkd.in/ebBGsNsU #MondayMotivation #MotionJunction #PKS #DisabilityAwarenessMonth #Inclusion #Accessibility #Inspiration #advocacyinaction

Check out this new report! “Supervised Independent Living Programs Should Integrate Cultural Competence and Rigorous Mentoring”

Are we leveraging our platforms to create meaningful change in our communities? Realtor® Stacy Horst’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have beyond real estate. After the tragic loss of her daughter Erin, Stacy co-founded Erin’s Hope for Friends, providing vital support for teens and young adults on the autism spectrum. This initiative has positively affected over 1,500 lives, fostering connections and creating a safe space for young people. Stacy exemplifies the heart of our profession—using our skills and resources to uplift others and strengthen community ties. As participants in the real estate market, we have unique opportunities to influence our neighborhoods. Let’s ask ourselves: How can we contribute to building more resilient, compassionate communities? It’s time to think beyond our transactions and focus on making a difference. Let’s inspire each other to use our platforms for good. #CommunityImpact #RealtorLife #MakingADifference #Volunteerism #GoodNeighborAwards #RealEstateAdvocacy

How to prevent Black kids from becoming stuck in foster care On average, Black children spend longer in foster care than white children. Black youth are also more likely than white youth to age out of foster care without a family. Despite caring social workers and extended families trying their best to help, these youth often grow up in a system that cannot meet their needs. And their needs are considerable: Kids from low-income neighborhoods, especially Black kids, experience higher levels of trauma and the effects of systemic racism. A systemic response can address that. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e38cxfKA #childwelfare #yatom #fostercare #helpchildren #Juneteenth

#YENHOHIA – From Isolation to Inclusion; Embracing Street Children into Society We are all born into a form of identity all over the world. A child’s first identity is a family and a name that comes with it. It provides security and guarantees that they belong to a certain group. When we talk about street-connected children, the identity that comes to mind for most of us is ‘nuisance’. These are children who have lost parents, some from poor and broken homes, while others are driven to the street by a promise of a better life. It is therefore inappropriate to assume that these children must be treated differently by the community they yearn to be part of. On the street is a constant struggle for food, clothing, and shelter. While this is a daily plight for these children, they constantly have to be on guard for bullies and judgment from community members who use their physical state as a benchmark of who should belong or not. Over the years, Starlight Foundation has advocated for access to amenities that matter in every child’s life for street-connected children. This time, we are admonishing ourselves against actions that drive these children further from redemption. Exploitation, abuse, and ridicule are common actions taken against street-connected children, which makes it difficult for them to come out of their situations. The rift between street-connected children and the community has dragged on for a long time, with the latter losing many children to the street. It’s time to embrace them back into society with love, care, and respect for their rights. The right way is to always approach a street child to help them navigate their lifestyle for the better, a sure way of gaining them back onto the right path in society. YENHOHIA, WE MATTER TOO. https://lnkd.in/exfFnGHb #LetsTalkAboutThem #YENHOHIA #TheStreetMatters #RepresentationIsTheWay #WeMatterToo #StreetConnectedChildren #Inclusivity #SocialJustice #StarlightFoundation #TransformingLives #CommunityImpact

As Kidsave celebrates Black History Month, we are also reminded that equity still requires our advocacy. All Americans deserve equal access to opportunity, and the disproportionate number of Black youth in foster care are no exception.   Our EMBRACE Project study of Americans’ perceptions of the foster care system, in collaboration with Gallup, revealed that only 35% of American adults agree that the foster care system supports children in need of care equally, regardless of their racial or ethnic background.  By educating Americans of the child welfare system and providing cultural competency training for adults interested in fostering, mentoring and adopting, we can begin to address the systemic inequalities of the child welfare system that create extreme barriers for Black foster youth and the families interested in providing foster care. Visit embrace.kidsave.org to learn more about what Kidsave is doing to cultivate more meaningful, long-lasting connections for foster youth and families, and how you can get involved!  #BlackHistoryMonth #Kidsave #EMBRACE #FosterCare #Adoption 

💙 Supporting Adults with Disabilities at The Arc of Space Coast 💙 At The Arc of Space Coast, we are on a mission to ensure that adults with disabilities have the resources, support, and community they need to lead empowered, fulfilling lives. This September, we’re calling on our community to help us continue this vital work. Why Your Support is Crucial: Every day, adults with disabilities in our community face challenges that many of us take for granted. Whether it’s finding meaningful employment, connecting with peers, or accessing essential services, these individuals deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. With your help, we can provide: Skills Training: Equipping our members with the tools they need to gain independence and confidence. Community Engagement: Offering social activities and events that foster connection and belonging. Advocacy and Support: Ensuring that every individual has a voice and the support they need to thrive. Here’s How You Can Make a Difference This Month: 1. 🎁 Donate: Your contributions directly impact the lives of the individuals we serve. Every donation, big or small, helps us provide essential services and programs. The Arc of Space Coast | Donate (arcofsc.org) 2. 🕒 Volunteer: Your time is one of the most valuable gifts you can give. Join us in supporting our events, activities, and daily operations. The Arc of Space Coast | Volunteer (arcofsc.org) 3. 📣 Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network! The more people who know about The Arc of Space Coast, the more we can accomplish together. Let’s Make September Count: Throughout this month, we’ll be sharing stories of the incredible individuals we serve and the impact your support has on their lives. Follow our journey, get inspired, and see firsthand how your contributions are making a difference. Together, we can create a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Join us in making this September a month of empowerment and inclusion. #SupportArcOfSpaceCoast #Empowerment #DisabilitySupport #CommunityImpact #DonateNow #SeptemberOfGiving

At Four Oaks, we continue to focus our efforts on adoption for teens because we know that teens in foster care wait longer for permanency and are at higher risk of aging out than younger children. Securing lifelong connections for these teens, both legally and emotionally, is a critical component in determining their future achievement, health, and well-being. Learn more: iowafosterandadoption.org

Finding joy, meaning, and purpose in your work is so profound. For many, this alignment is now a requirement. While undoubtedly a tough gig, I'm so thankful to have and hold the spirit of community in and around me. At Hanna, we've been on a journey of resetting and recentering our purpose and identifying values that align with who we are and who we (individually and collectively) want to be, alongside the behaviors that we need to uphold to drive community, innovation and performance. As a brand deeply rooted in purpose and community, one of our values is “warm-hearted.” Giving centered around children's livelihoods has always been a central part of Hanna Andersson ‘s soul. After reviewing many organizations and potential partners in size and scope, this week, we announced our partnership with Foster Love - Together We Rise a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing foster youth. Foster Love - Together We Rise began as a sports camp offering after-school enrichment to foster youth who otherwise could not afford the activity of play. As the charity grew, it began tackling more significant problems, including access to higher education, emergency resources, and more. There are over 430,000 children in foster care and only 214,421 licensed foster parents, which means foster parents and agencies are often left with limited resources, and we’re hopeful that through our partnership, we too can support efforts in bringing wholesome experiences that empower kids to discover, grow and embrace the joys of childhood. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission and values, and I'm excited about the positive impact we can make together. #purposealigned #championsofchildhood #socialimpact