Bonus Episode: Listen in as I host the discussion led by our guests, Saba Gebrai-Park West Foundation Program Director, Carlos Correa, and Amya Rivera Youth Leaders as they share their experiences and advocacy efforts to lead a campaign to help aging out youth in Michigan struggling in the pandemic. 

Follow on Facebook: @PWF Young Leaders

In spite of the federal laws, provisions and funds that are supposed to protect Michigan's foster youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, majority of youth have yet to hear about these historic measures that are set to expire on September 30th, 2021.

The pending COVID-19 Chafee Pandemic Relief fund for Foster Youth 14-27:currently in the Senate Bill 4419 (H-2) of  FY 2020-21 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS reflects pandemic Youth In Transition fund to be allocated for those under 23 years of age which is an amendment from previous documents that extended age until 27.

This new change disappoints and leaves out deserving youth in need, that were otherwise qualified for funds and services since January 27, 2020, as federal mandate of Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 expires on September 30, 2021 as COVID-19 relief funds have yet to begin reaching eligible  youth.

#iFoster27

Continue to support #iFoster27 by calling and/or emailing your Michigan senate representative and asking them to support Bill 4419 (H-2) for Michigan's foster youth 14-27 and by explaining the preventable hardship caused by the delay of emergency funds and protections to an already difficult transition to adulthood without the support of permanent family.

Contact your Michigan Senator here:  https://www.senate.michigan.gov/fysbyaddress.html

Contact Governor Whitmer’s office at 517-373-3400

517-335-7858 (Constituent Services)

Campaign started on June 7th and will last for 27 days. Please urge your friends, family members, co-workers and your social media friends to call the Governor and their state Senator in the next 27 days. And ask them to change their social media Avatar to iFoster27 (find picture in the PWF Young Leaders profile, save it, then upload to your picture) and add an iFoster27 hash tag.

Thank you in advance from iFoster27 Team of Youth-Led Voices, EFyTECH & Park West Foundation. Also thank you from Child Welfare Leaders Podcast!