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April Newsletter | Our Standards: Led by Youth, Guided by Experience
Foster Greatness April Newsletter | Life Skills and Financial Literacy
Isabel Stasa
April 07, 2025
Every month, we’ll be sharing community updates that include insights from our Thriver Stories, thoughts from Panel Discussions and our Theme Release for the month!
April 2025
April: Life Skills and Interdependence
Hi FG Member!
As March comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an impactful month centered around Institutionalization in Child Welfare. At Foster Greatness, we believe in shedding light on the systems that shape the lives of foster youth, and this month was no exception. Our event, "Breaking the Cycle: Institutionalization in Foster Care and Juvenile Justice", sparked meaningful conversations about the challenges and solutions needed to create better pathways for youth in care. 🌟 Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their stories, and contributed to this important dialogue. Together, we’re working toward a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive—free from the cycles of institutionalization. 💪
We also had the privilege of sharing an inspiring Thriver Stories episode this month: "What It Means to Not Give Up" with Taylor Rockhold. This powerful episode highlighted resilience, hope, and the incredible strength of foster youth who refuse to let their circumstances define them. 💛 If you haven’t had a chance to watch it yet, we highly recommend tuning in—it’s a reminder of the courage and determination that exists within our community. 🎥
Looking ahead, we’re excited to shift our focus to Life Skills & Financial Literacy for the month of April! 💡 We know that equipping foster youth with practical tools and knowledge is key to building interdependence and confidence. From budgeting basics to career readiness, we’ll be sharing resources, tips, and stories to help our community thrive in every aspect of life. 📚 Stay tuned for workshops, guides, and more as we dive into this essential topic. Let’s make April a month of growth, learning, and empowerment! 🚀
Apply for the Foster Greatness Storyteller Collective!
Calling all current and former foster youth! This May, Foster Greatness is launching a first-of-its-kind leadership and storytelling experience—and we want you to be part of it.
As a Storyteller Collective Ambassador, you’ll:
🎤 Get paid $1,000 to share your foster care journey through podcasts, social media, and events
📦 Receive a Signature Storyteller Kit (including merch designed by foster youth and more!)
💡 Gain professional media training and collaborate with our team on a national celebration event
✊ Help create real change—not just awareness—for foster youth everywhere
No influencer status required. We’re looking for authentic voices, not follower counts.
⏳ Only 5-7 spots available! Applications close April 10.
👉 Click the button below to get started on your application today!
Get FREE Tax Filing Support with Foster Greatness!
Are you a current or former foster youth looking to tackle your taxes this year? 💸 Don’t sweat it—Foster Greatness is here to help you file your taxes FOR FREE!
With the April 15 deadline 🗓️ just around the corner, we know tax season can feel overwhelming, confusing, and maybe even a little scary. And let’s be real—if you’re navigating this without a support system, it can feel like an even bigger mountain to climb.
That’s why, in 2024, we launched our 🚨 FREE Tax Support Program to help foster youth across the U.S. file their taxes with confidence. And guess what? We’re doing it again this year!
Whether you’re a tax newbie or just need a little guidance, our team is ready to provide personalized, one-on-one support to make tax season a breeze. So, why stress when you can get the help you need—absolutely free?
👉 Click the button below to get started with free tax support today!
The Pivotal College Scholarship
Thank you to community member, Monica Rivera, for posting this resource!
If you're a student who is or was in foster care who's already enrolled in or planning to enroll in community college, university, or a vocational training program...
you're eligible to receive up to a $2,000 scholarship each year you're in school, for a maximum of 5 years. We'll also pair you with an amazing Pivotal coach who will stick with you throughout your higher education journey and help you pursue a career when you've finished schooling.
SANTA CLARA COUNTY IS FUNDING UP TO 50 PIVOTAL SCHOLARSHIPS SPECIFICALLY FOR SCC NON-MINOR DEPENDENTS
Eligibility:
Be currently enrolled or are in the process of enrolling in Pivotal services. (Referral form below to get started!)
Do you have a 2.0 cumulative high school GPA or a 2.0 cumulative college GPA?
Have you earned a High School Diploma or GED, or will you have earned one before the start of Fall 2025?
Have you applied for financial aid by completing the FAFSA or Dream Act by the priority deadline of 04/03/2025 and are eligible to receive all federal and state financial aid?
Have you been accepted to or will be attending a community college, university, or accredited vocational school for the upcoming academic year?
Important Dates and Links:
Application closes on May 15, 2025
If you are not currently receiving our services, please complete the referral form as soon as possible and indicate that you are interested in the scholarship.
If you require additional assistance or have questions, please contact Kayla Harper-Alvarez.
This March, Foster Greatness centered our focus on Institutionalization in Child Welfare, shining a light on the systems that impact foster youth. We hosted our event, "Breaking the Cycle: Institutionalization in Foster Care and Juvenile Justice", which brought together voices and solutions to create better pathways for youth in care. 🌟 It was a powerful month of reflection, dialogue, and action as we worked to address the challenges and build a brighter future for foster youth everywhere. 💪
Breaking the Cycle: Institutionalization in Foster Care and Juvenile JusticeUncover the overlooked stories of institutionalization within foster care and juvenile justice systems in this deeply personal and transformative workshop. Michael D. Davis-Thomas bravely opens his heart and shares his own powerful journey through these systems, illuminating the emotional, social, and systemic scars that often go unseen. |
🌟 Exciting News! 🌟
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the National Network for Foster Sibling Connections—a new project hosted by Foster Greatness! 👫 This initiative brings together researchers, advocates, social workers, lived experts, and more to strengthen and protect sibling connections in foster care. 💞
Together, we’re working to elevate best practices, advocate for policy changes, and ensure siblings stay connected. 🌉 Whether you’re a professional or have lived experience, your voice matters—join us in creating a brighter future for foster siblings everywhere!
Did you LOVE 🩷 our March events as much as we did? From our eye-opening open discussion on Institutionalization in Child Welfare to the announcement of our new project - National Network for Foster Sibling Connections, it was a month of learning, healing, and connection. But don’t worry—April is packed with even more opportunities to grow and thrive! 🌱
This month, we’re diving into Life Skills & Financial Literacy with workshops, resources, and events designed to empower you with the tools you need to succeed. 💡 Whether you’re exploring your core values, connecting with foster siblings, or building financial confidence, we’ve got something for everyone.
March Thriver Stories Episodes!
What It Means to Not Give UpTaylor Rockhold shares shares her experiences within the juvenile justice system, her challenges growing up in foster care, and her ongoing journey toward healing and independence. |
Interested in being featured in a Thriver Story and participating in an engaging panel discussion? 🎙️
We are actively seeking new and inspiring guests with lived experience in the foster system to uplift their voices and stories on the Thriver Stories podcast! If you have a story to share, we would love to hear from you. Simply fill out the form provided above, and we will get back to you with the next steps in the process. ✏️
Our Thriver Stories podcast is dedicated to highlighting the voices of individuals who have lived experience in the foster system. We aim to provide a platform for these individuals to share their unique experiences and personal journeys, all revolving around a specific topic of their choice. 💙
Participants are compensated for the time and contribution they make on our podcast show and panel conversations.
Foster Greatness’s mission is to co-create a dynamic platform with people directly impacted by the foster system to set the standard of empowerment and support. We are providing accessible, authentic connections and support by creating a lived-experience led platform. Our vision for every person who is and has been directly impacted by the foster system to feel empowered and supported.