In Their Own Words: Memoirs of A Foster Care Journey

Join us for an inspiring conversation and experience the catharsis of personal narrative during this empowering Foster Care Awareness Month panel discussion.

This insightful exploration of triumph over adversity will give guests profound insights into the realities of foster care and how one can navigate one of life's most difficult transitions. Panelists will share experiences, discuss ideas for change, and will inspire us all to uplift youth in foster care.

What to Expect

• Insightful Discussion: Our panelists will share their personal journeys, shedding light on the complexities of aging out of the foster care system and the obstacles they faced along the way.
• Ideas for Change: Get ready to explore innovative solutions and ideas for improving the foster care system. Our panelists will discuss actionable steps we can take to uplift and support youth in foster care.
• Inspiration: Prepare to be inspired as our panelists share stories of resilience, determination, and hope. Their experiences will leave you with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the power of the human spirit.

Why Attend

This is more than just a panel discussion; it's an opportunity to be part of a movement to create positive change in the lives of youth in foster care. By joining us, you'll not only gain valuable insights but also become empowered to make a difference in the lives of youth.

Don't miss out on this unforgettable evening of storytelling, reflection, and empowerment. Reserve your spot today and be a part of "In Their Own Words: Memoirs of a Foster Care Journey."

About the Panelists

Panelists include national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate, David Ambroz, award winning author, transformational speaker, and certified holistic health coach, Angela Quijada-Banks, #1 Best Selling Author and member of YGB's Board of Believers, Regina Calcaterra, veteran technology journalist and motivational speaker, Angelo Grotticelli, and child welfare advocate, public speaker, and #1 Best Selling Author, Amnoni Myers.

The panel will be moderated by Carly Machado, Special Assistant, Office of the President at Ford Foundation.

About You Gotta Believe

YOU GOTTA BELIEVE (YGB), founded in 1995, focuses exclusively on finding permanent parents and families for kids in foster care with expertise in working with young adults, teens, and pre-teens who are most in danger of aging out of the system alone.

Today, more than 400,000 children are in foster care in the US, and every year, as many as 17,000 of them will age out of the foster care system. Without the safety net of a forever family to provide the security and comfort most take for granted, these young people are left on their own to face a future filled with hardships — from lack of education to unemployment, higher rates of incarceration, poor health, early parenthood, and homelessness (as much as 40 percent of these kids will experience this devastation in their lifetimes). In New York City alone, there are hundreds of kids currently awaiting adoption, with 600-700 kids on the verge of aging out.

About Foster Care Awareness Month

National Foster Care Month is an initiative of the Children's Bureau. Each May, YGB is proud to join the Children’s Bureau and partners across the nation, to raise awareness of issues related to foster care and acknowledge the parents, family members, foster parents, child welfare and related professionals, mentors, policymakers, and other members of the community who help children and youth in foster care find permanent homes and connections.

Important Details

Registration is free but required to gain entry to this event. All guests must show photo ID at check-in. There will be no exceptions.