Uplifting panel of former youth in care, biological and resource families share intimate stories about their experiences together with nationally renowned motivational speaker, Michael Sanders
VENTURA — Foster VC Kids/ Homes with Heart VC kicked off their Strengthening VC Families Town Hall Meeting on June 29th at the Oxnard College. The event was created to inspire families in and around Ventura County to support youth in care, whether it be mentoring, or welcoming a child into their family.
Michael Sanders gave an uplifting presentation about the importance of becoming an advocate for youth in care, specifically teens. The panel’s inspiring stories about growing up in the system moved the entire audience. Together with Sanders’ contagious personality, the town hall celebrated the youth who have come out of the system and used their voices to encourage additional resource families to help the many youth who are still in care today.
“This event was a true testament to just how resilient our youth in care can be,” said Jaci Johnson, Program Coordinator/Resource Family Approval/Recruitment for Ventura County Children and Family Services. “Many of these teens grew up in difficult circumstances and were brave enough to stand up in front of a large crowd to share their stories. I’ve never felt more proud,” Johnson added.
Foster VC Kids/Homes with Heart VC’s mission is to protect youth in care by providing support, stability and love while strengthening the families around them.
About Ventura County Children and Family Services’ Foster VC Kids: Recognized as a best practice leader statewide in the family recruitment and support component of child welfare, Ventura County Children and Family Services’ Foster VC Kids was developed to increase the amount of loving resource families who are ready to take in children in need in Ventura County. This initiative provides resource families with ongoing support services, trauma-informed training, and mentorship to enhance the safety, permanency and well-being of Ventura County’s youth and families. Learn how Ventura County Children and Family Services’ Foster VC Kids is making a difference throughout Ventura County, www.fostervckids.org