Back to School

There is something about this time of year that feels like new beginnings even for those of us who are not headed back to school.

That is true for us here at Family & Youth Initiative. As we continue to grow, we are making changes that will allow us to help more teens in foster care find the support that comes from caring adults committed to staying in their lives.

We're hiring! Please share the announcement for our Outreach and Communications VISTA with anyone interested in helping us expand our reach and find more host and adoptive parents and mentors. Applications are being accepted through the end of September. This is a one-year AmeriCorps position (that will double our staff!).

Social work support. We are looking for a consulting social worker to assist mentors and host parents and also provide pre-service training for new host families. Doing our own pre-service training means we can ensure that host families are better prepared, whether they continue to host or later decide to become foster or adoptive parents. This summer has seen a number of DCFYI teens between and changing foster care placements, reminding us how few and often inadequate are the foster homes available for teens. I am excited that more DCFYI volunteers have expressed interest in becoming foster or adoptive parents. This will result in better placements for teens.

Adult activities. Social and educational events for DCFYI volunteers. Look for information coming soon from the Program Committee.

Establishing Roots. Fall of course is also our annual Establishing Roots fundraiser. I hope you received your invitation earlier this week and will join us Wednesday October 7. We will have good company, good food, stories from DCFYI teens and adults, and will be honoring NBC4 News Anchor and creator and host of Wednesday's Child Barbara Harrison.

I hope to see you then and thank you for your support of DCFYI and the teens we serve,
Susan

Upcoming Program Events

Our next program events:

Breezy Point beach afternoon, this Saturday September 12;
Activity to be determined, Saturday October 3.

Check the website calendar for event details and to RSVP. Please email if you want details on small events (that may not be added to the website calendar).

At DCFYI events you'll get to meet teens and other adult volunteers. We guarantee you'll have a good time and will want to come back to get to know the teens better.

We look forward to seeing you!

Have you purchased your tickets yet?

Tickets and sponsorship available here. We hope you will join us!

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And building self-esteem

Have you purchased your tickets yet?