Click HERE to register for this event.

In communities across the United States, thousands of young people leave foster care without the support of family or community. For the 23,000 young people who age out of foster care each year, this can lead to poor outcomes — lower prospects for employment, higher rates of incarceration and struggles with mental and physical health.  In Rhode Island, 100 youth age out of the foster care system each year.  These youth do not always have the consistent presence of adults in their lives.

This event, presented by the Junior League of Rhode Island, Inc. in partnership with the Jim Casey Youth Initiative, part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation , will bring this national issue to the local level.

Attendees will:

• Hear about the experiences of young people in the foster care system
• Understand the positive impact of supportive adults on youth in and transitioning from foster care nationally and in Rhode Island
• Learn how to get involved and make a difference in their communities

The Junior League of Rhode Island, Inc. (JLRI) is partnering with Foster Forward RI, a Jim Casey Initiative site on “Youth Home Makeovers”.  Attendees will hear about this innovative program and learn how the JLRI is helping youth transition to suitable and affordable housing, as a first step to being successful adults.

Time:  6:00 p.m. –Networking and Check-In, 6:30 p.m. –Program/Speaking Panel

Speaking Panel (click on speaker names to see their bios):

Sixto Cancel, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Think of Us

Sandra J. Wilkie, Consultant with the Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative at Annie E. Casey Foundation

Lisa Guillette, Executive Director, Foster Forward RI

Cost:  $15 – general admission/donation,  students admitted for free with valid student ID

 All proceeds to fund a JLRI “Youth Home Makeover” project 

Click HERE to register for this event.