UMFS’ Post

Earlier this year, our partners at ZERO TO THREE and the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc. held a five-session learning community for kinship service providers. The community explored outreach strategies for connecting with and serving kinship families. This toolkit shares the learnings and tips from that peer community. https://lnkd.in/eUNgyu2D #KinshipCare, #Grandfamilies

Through strategic collaborations, data-driven decision making and community engagement, Seeding Success is catalyzing the empowerment of young people and families in Shelby County, Tennessee. Learn more about the impact of their #SystemsTransformation work: https://hubs.li/Q02qp6bW0

If you are curious about what we do at Patriot Angels, sign up for our live webinar hosted by Angel Frazier. She has a vast amount knowledge regarding the Aid and Attendance Benefit! If you have questions, I am sure we will have the answer.

Minnesota, USA: Community engagement sessions for case managers who serve children with complex needs The Child Safety & Permanency Administration, with the Department of Children Youth and Families in collaboration with the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Behavioral Health and Disabilities Services divisions, are hosting regional engagement sessions regarding serving children with complex needs. County, Tribal, and contracted case managers or workers who serve children with complex needs are encouraged to attend. The purpose of these engagement sessions is to gain information on what can be done, from a DCYF and DHS policy and practice perspective, to gain traction on serving children with complex needs. The information and feedback gathered will be used to inform policy development and recommendations for system improvements. Find out more information, including registration information, on the regional engagement session announcement. If you have questions or need assistance with registration, please contact csp.complexcare.dcyf@state.mn.us.

Catherine Hernandez's novel, "Scarborough," provides a stark depiction of community resilience amid systemic adversity. Set in the Kingston/Galloway neighbourhood, this book emphasizes the vital role of a local community centre that strives to support vulnerable families from marginalized communities. Hernandez highlights the vulnerability of support systems due to shifting governmental priorities, affecting workers and the community. The narrative, which also received acclaim as a film at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), focuses on three children growing up with the odds stacked against them. To elaborate, it focuses on the coming-of-age of three young children living in a low-income neighbourhood and how they form bonds in a community centre despite the hardships they and their families face. It showcases how community centers can be crucial safe havens that foster bonds and support amidst hardship. A particularly moving episode involves the struggle of an Indigenous mother, Marie, to obtain an autism diagnosis for her son, Johnny. The scene reveals systemic barriers preventing access to care for marginalized families, calling for greater empathy and action in healthcare and social services. Scarborough" serves as a powerful call to professionals to advocate for policies that strengthen community support structures and ensure equitable service access. This story is more than a tribute to community center workers; it's a prompt for ongoing dialogue about inclusivity and the creation of resilient communities in the face of institutional challenges. Scarborough' is more than a story; it's a call to action. Let's commit to fostering empathy, and enhancing community support systems. Learn more by reading our newsletter through this link: https://lnkd.in/gVhRMjf7 #BIPOC #POC #bipoccontentcreators #spinningforward #microinfluencers #smallcontentcreators #toronto #canadianhealthcare #indigenous #torontonovel #tiff #torontointernationalfilfestival #scarborough

August is #NationalMakeAWillMonth. When you include the Foundation in your estate plan, your generosity helps to advance our mission to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in foster care. Learn more about how you can create a life-changing legacy: https://lnkd.in/gr7EyU4H

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

While representation is improving in 2024, the pace is still painfully slow. We continue to face barriers—closed doors, reduced opportunities—because of outdated assumptions about our faces, voices, or natural hair. These stereotypes persist, holding us back and limiting progress. Representation matters. It’s about more than being visible; it’s about creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and ensuring everyone feels seen and valued. Progress is happening, but there’s still so much work to do.

Learn more about the importance of FURS and the Children Now campaign to #ProtectFURS at https://lnkd.in/gYZhbUnk #CaAlliance

Let’s Go Birds!! Comment below a fun tradition you have for game days!