Foster Care Awareness Month

May 07
Foster Care Awareness Month May 2021 with blue ribbon background

May is National Foster Care Month, and this year’s theme is Foster Care as a Support for Families, Not a Substitute for Parents. 

While in-person celebrations may not be possible this year, it is still important to recognize the incredible foster youth and foster parents in our community. The Foster Youth programs at RCC, MVC, and Norco College and have coordinated a series of workshops throughout the month, employees, students and the community are invited to participate.  

Month-long Events

 

Flyer with events for foster care month

 

Schedule of Events

Training for staff and faculty on the impact of trauma on college students who have experienced foster care and to provide information on their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical health.

2 pm

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This presentation will offer a welcoming space for current and former foster youth to hear from other foster youth who will share their life experiences. Hear how their journeys have shaped their careers and personal life. YSCMM offers a monthly series for foster care students a multiple colleges and universities.

4 pm

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This training will explore the biological and physiological reactions to trauma. Students will be provided seven strategies to handle life’s struggles and discover ways to successful use the support services offered at the colleges and within the community.

12:50 pm

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Voices & Visions is a visual and performance art event that celebrates and brings awareness
to young people who have experienced foster care. This event blends spoken word poetry, photography, and mixed media art.

6 pm

Watch on YouTube Live

Junely Merwin, a former foster youth, will share her educational journey. Born into a dysfunctional life of abuse, Merwin, a teen mom, earned a full scholarship to California State University Fullerton. Merwin, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Services, will discuss navigating college and personal experiences in the foster youth system.

3 pm

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Learn about the purpose of Foster Care Awareness Month, the current state of the foster care system and hear from a panelist of foster care students. The event will wrap up with a presentation from Sade Burrell, an author, foster youth advocate and a motivational speaker.

2 pm

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