Tagshttp://www.vaprojectlife.orgWed, 23 May 2012 11:12:28 GMTThu, 05 Jan 2012 20:57:46 GMTProject LIFE Fall 2011 Newsletterhttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/project-life-fall-2011-newsletterThu, 05 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMTStevara Haley-ClarkProject LIFE is pleased to present our newest quarterly newsletter. We hope you enjoy it. Click here to read the latest issue. 

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/project-life-fall-2011-newsletterPick Our Conference Title!!!!http://www.vaprojectlife.org/pick-our-conference-titleFri, 16 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMTStevara Haley-ClarkThe March 2012 VYAC conference will focus on preparing youth to be leaders and to advocate for positive change in foster care and in their communities. The goals of the conference are:

1. Youth will learn how to create future goals to enhance productive citizenship.
2. Youth will learn the basic concepts of leadership development and understand what it means to be a leader.
3. Youth will become confident in their ability to grow into community leaders.
4. Youth will learn how to cultivate and develop their own empowerment assets.

Click here to answer the poll!]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/pick-our-conference-titleA Home for the Holidayshttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/a-home-for-the-holidaysTue, 22 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMTCraig Simmons As we enter the holiday season, those of us lucky enough to spend it with family, friends, and loved ones will do so. Unfortunately, for many this is also the time when our loneliness is magnified. Youth in care, and those who have emancipated for care, can find this an especially difficult time. Many of us that work with youth think: “Oh, how sad they don’t have a family to go home to” or worse yet, we are afraid of what might happen when a youth returns from the holiday visit. What we often overlook is the grief associated with the loss of normalcy or the loss of family bonds and traditions.
During this time it is important to reach out. If you are a youth in care that has the privilege of being able to visit your family during the holidays, invite a friend that you know may not have that opportunity. If you are an adult or peer that knows a youth in foster care reach out and invite them to spend the holidays with your family. But don’t stop there! Life and loneliness do not end when the turkey is devoured, the Christmas tree is put away, and the mistletoe is dried up. The connections you make with a(nother) youth in care could be the thing that helps them (and you) through not only the holidays but many other rough patches. Be willing to make a commitment to be a friend not just a respite placement.
Like all of us, youth in care need cheerleaders, shoulders to cry on, ears to bend, and people to bounce ideas off of and you could be that person. The support network of friends and family to help guide and walk with us through our lives is what makes us human.

“Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.” Muhammad Ali

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/a-home-for-the-holidaysYour Voice Really Does Counthttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/your-voice-really-does-countThu, 29 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMTCraig SimmonsTwo youth associated with Project LIFE are currently participating in the state’s Permanency for Older Youth workgroup. This workgroup was set up as a result of the elimination of the IL Goal as a permanency goal for youth in foster care. Just to clarify the elimination of the goal does not eliminate the independent living services that youth in foster care need such as:

Life skills training/workshops

Independent Living Needs Assessment (Casey Life Skills Assessment)

Mentoring

Academic Support

Career Preparation

Employment programs and/or vocational training

Supervised independent living

Housing Education and home management training

Educational financial assistance

Budget and financial management training

Health education and risk prevention

Family support and healthy marriage education

Room and board financial assistance

The remaining Foster Care Goals are:

Permanency Goal – Return home, adoption, placement with relatives

Permanent Foster Care – given when a permanency goal is no longer an option; youth has established a significant relationship with a foster parent

Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement – the goal if a child is going to grow up having significant physical, developmental, or emotional limitations so that they need to live in a supported group or secure setting long-term.

 

The two youth present have done a wonderful job sharing their thoughts and feelings about the process and about life in foster care in general, but two voices are not enough. We need to know what you think and feel. The next workgroup will focus on Best Practices and legal changes that need to be made that will make the remaining Foster Care goals more effective goals for older youth. In other words what changes do you think need to be made to the system to make things better for you? We need to know your opinions so we can take them back to the workgroup, or better yet contact your regional IL Consultant to find out when the next meeting is so you can make plans to be there and be heard in person.

Questions we need answered:

What best practices would make transitioning back home easier for you?

What barriers exist now that make it difficult for you to return home?

What needs to be put in place to make a transition to living with a family member easier for you and that family member?

What have you run into as an issue making being placed with a relative difficult?

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/your-voice-really-does-countSummer 2011 Newsletterhttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/summer-2011-newsletterWed, 17 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMTStevara Haley-ClarkProject LIFE is pleased to present our new quarterly newsletter. We hope you enjoy it. Click here for the new issue Summer 2011 Project LIFE e-Newsletter.


]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/summer-2011-newsletterFoster Care Alumni of America- VA Chapter Family Reunionhttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/foster-care-alumni-of-america-va-chapter-family-reunion2Thu, 28 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMTStevara Haley-ClarkThe family reunion is open to everyone, alumni, and youth in foster care, social workers, friends and families who share the mission and vision of FCAA. Come out for a day of food, fellowship, fun and support the chapter in claiming this great family tradition. Food and beverages will be provided. Side and desserts are welcome. Click here for more information. The deadline to register is August 1, 2011.

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/foster-care-alumni-of-america-va-chapter-family-reunion2VYAC Conference T-Shirt Design Contesthttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/vyac-conference-t-shirt-design-contestThu, 02 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncWe need YOU to design the next VYAC Conference t-shirt!!! The chosen artist will have their winning design put on a t-shirt worn by EVERYONE at the July VYAC COnference AND be presented with an award and small gift!

This year’s conference is about advocating for yourself and others in foster care. Out title is “Our Voice, Our Time!” Use your creativity to design a shirt that includes the conference title and dates (July 29-31, 2011.)

Submission deadline is JUNE 30th!!! Submit your design by email to ehansen@umfs.org or (804) 239-1265. Please include your contact information.

Click here for more information!

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/vyac-conference-t-shirt-design-contestOur Voice, Our Time - VYAC Conferencehttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/our-voice-our-time-vyac-conferenceThu, 02 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncThe July VYAC conference marks the beginning of focused approach by Project LIFE to educate and involve youth in legislative advocacy and leadership at the local, regional and state levels. This conference will be the first step in an integrated, comprehensive shift towards providing youth across the state with the knowledge and skills they need to become strong advocates for themselves and others in care.

When: July 29-31, 2011
Where: NOVA 4-H Educational Center, Front Royal, Virginia
Who:Youth interested in attending must meet the following requirements:
Between the ages of 14-21.Currently in foster care or adopted after the age of 16,Interest in legislative advocacy,Interest in leadership opportunities,Interest in future involvement in the Speak Out event, Project LIFE and VYAC.
Click here for the Save the Date flyer.
Click here for more VYAC conference information.
Click here for the youth application form.
Please direct any questions to Erin Hansen, Project Coordinator, at ehansen@umfs.org or (804) 239-1044.

 

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/our-voice-our-time-vyac-conferenceSpring 2011 Project LIFE e-Newsletterhttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/spring-2011-project-life-e-newsletterWed, 01 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncProject LIFE is pleased to present our new quarterly newsletter. We hope you enjoy it. Click here for the new issue Spring 2011 Project LIFE e-Newsletter.

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/spring-2011-project-life-e-newsletterGenerosity: Learning 2 Servehttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/generosity-learning-2-serveThu, 28 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncThe 2011 Project LIFE Summer Program “Generosity: Learning 2 Serve” will focus on three areas that promote youth development – service-learning, independent living skills and the generosity phase of the Circle of Courage. Through service learning, youth have an opportunity to participate in a structure learning experience where they take the lead in identifying the challenges and solutions. Please view these T-shirt designs and let us know which one you like best OR if you have other ideas, please let us know at plwebadmin@umfs.org.

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/generosity-learning-2-serveFoster Care Walk!http://www.vaprojectlife.org/foster-care-walkTue, 05 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncFoster Care Awareness 2nd Annual Event
Saturday, May 14
11am- 4pm
Northern Fauquier Community Park
4122 Monroe Parkway, Marshall, VA

Anyone with an interest in child welfare is invited to join the Northern Region Youth Advisory Council (NRYAC) for the 2nd annual foster care awareness event. This year we will fellowship with a cookout, outdoor games and a youth talent show. Registered participants will receive a T-shirt designed by NRYAC, a Project LIFE backpack, water bottle and an unforgettable time! Check out the NRYAC-designed event flyer here.
Youth in foster care, ages 14 and older, register online here.
General public, register online here.
Contact Heather Wines with questions or for more information.
If you have any questions about upcoming events, please contact Heather Wines at (540) 905-5299 or hwines@umfs.org.

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/foster-care-walkVYAC Spring 2011 Conferencehttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/vyac-spring-2011-conferenceFri, 21 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncVYAC Spring 2011 Conference

Transforming: Making It Through The System.
March 18-20, 2011
Holiday Inn Tanglewood
Roanoke, Virginia

VYAC Spring 2011 Save the Date.
Click here for the registration packet.Please return this registration packet to Erin Hansen by fax 804-239-1265 or email ehansen@umfs.org.

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/vyac-spring-2011-conferenceNYTD Briefinghttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/nytd-briefingWed, 20 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncCheck out this PDF!! It gives you a quick snapshot of important things to know about NYTD! If you have any questions or thoughts about it, please let us know.

NYTD Briefing PDF

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/nytd-briefingFACES Launches New Youth Projecthttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/faces-launches-new-youth-projectWed, 06 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncAn EXCITING New Project for Youth

True to its mission, FACES is committed to ensuring that all youth experiencing foster, adoptive, or kinship care are treated with dignity, respect, and equality. “We are now launching a new project to help ensure these youth are equipped with the skills they need to live independent lives. Vstreet is an on-line community and learning process for youth preparing to live independently. We are pleased to partner with Northwest Media in offering free subscriptions to the first 200 youth to complete our Finding an Apartment survey,” states Kathy Sauter, President, FACES of Virginia Families.

Do you have a child living in your home 14 years of age or older? Or, are you a worker with children on your caseload in that same age range?
If so, you won’t want to miss this great offer for FACES members!


The FACES youth representative, Kelliann Henry, gives high marks to the Vstreet community. “I found the website to be a fantastic, accurate, and user-friendly resource.”

Vstreet explores many facets of independent living, allows users to create journals, chat, access the Casey-Ansell Life Skills Assessment, and much more.

Check it out!

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/faces-launches-new-youth-projectBecoming a Licensed Driverhttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/becoming-a-licensed-driverTue, 28 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncBecoming a licensed driver can be a highlight of your young adult years. It can give you a new sense of responsibility and freedom. Project LIFE wants to know:
Do you have a learner’s permit? or a license? How did you get it? Who took your driving? Did you attend driver’s education training?  Please share a funny story with Project LIFE. For those who have not decided on getting a drivers license or learner’s permit: have you ever wonder how well you would do on the Virgina Department of Motor Vehicles Driver’s exam? Take a practice quiz here.

Here’s some information you may need to obtain your learner’s permit and driver’s license. The Virginia’s Driver’s Manual is available here in both Spanish and English!

Happy Safe Driving!

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/becoming-a-licensed-driverNational Youth in Transition Databasehttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/national-youth-in-transition-databaseTue, 14 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncHave you heard about the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD)? According to the Children’s Services System Transformation, “on October 1, 2010, Virginia will engage in two data collection and reporting activities” and they are the following:

“First, Virginia will collect and report basic demographic data on each youth and the IL services provided to them by local departments of social services, private providers, foster and adoptive parents and others as required in thirteen broad categories.”

“Second, a survey will be administered to certain youth in foster care at age 17 and a follow-up survey with some or all of these youth at age 19 and again at 21. The purpose of the survey is to collect and report information about the following youth outcomes:
financial self-sufficiencyexperience with homelessnesseducational attainmentpositive connections with adultshigh-risk behavioraccess to health insurance” What are your thoughts about NYTD? Is there anything in particular that you would like to know about NYTD? How does NYTD impact you?
To learn more about NYTD, click here.

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/national-youth-in-transition-databaseYouth Development: The Vital Linkhttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/youth-development-the-vital-linkThu, 09 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncYouth Development: The Vital Link Project LIFE held a two-day conference presented by the National Resource Center for Youth Services in Charlottesville, VA on August 16-17, 2010.
Youth are a tremendous and often overlooked resource when it comes to providing quality programming for youth in foster care. Agencies can improve their independent living programs by actively engaging youth at all levels of programming.



Participants in the conference:
Learned the fundamentals of positive youth development and youth-adult partnershipsLearned how to prepare agencies for youth engagementDeveloped strategies for forming successful youth-adult partnerships In addition:
Adults learned to practice ways to effectively involve youth as equal partners.Youth identified contributions they bring to committees, councils and organizations. Here’s what some of our youth participants had to say about Project LIFE’s Positive Youth Development: The Vital Link Conference:
“I really learned alot and I had alot of fun. It was very educational because I learned things I didn’t know and things that I can carry with me for the rest of my life and that is one thing that really means alot to me.”
“When I went to the workshops I was not expecting the adults to be so understanding and so open to the ideas that the youth had. I was very impressed with the progress that was made and with everything that was discussed.”
“This was a fun interactive program that I hope to be involved in again.”
“I liked that we all, youth and adults, both came together and shared new ideas and innovative ways to further relationships between youth and adults. I also learned that we all have to work together if we want to get things done.”
Before the trainings held at this conference, only 40% of adult participants understood the basics of strategies for forming successful youth-adult partnerships; afterwards 71% of adult participants reported that they substantial understood and would be able to regularly apply these strategies effectively in practice.

If you would like to participate in future events similiar to this conference, please contact your local IL Consultant:
Eastern Region: Melissa Peele
Western Region: Norma Wood
Piedmont Region: Leah Hatcher
Northern Region: Heather Wines
Central Region: Andrew Martin

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/youth-development-the-vital-linkProject LIFE wants to hear from YOU!!!http://www.vaprojectlife.org/project-life-wants-to-hear-from-youFri, 20 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncProject LIFE wants to hear from YOU!!! We would like your thoughts on the following topics:
What do you think about our website?
How can Project LIFE assist you?
If you could change one thing about our website, what would you change?
What topics would you like to learn more about?
Do you have any ideas for new blog posts?
If so, please email them to our Website Administrators at PLWebAdmin@umfs.org.

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/project-life-wants-to-hear-from-youNeeds After Foster Carehttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/needs-after-foster-careTue, 10 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncDo you know any teens that have left foster care? How would you describe their situations? What do they say they need now? What do you think you would need if you left foster care?

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/needs-after-foster-careHow Do You Define "Family"?http://www.vaprojectlife.org/how-do-you-define-familyTue, 27 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncIn this weeks post, we want to know, how do you define “family”? What does a “family” look like for you? Who is in your family? Please share a happy family memory if you like.

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/how-do-you-define-familyGrowing Toward Adulthoodhttp://www.vaprojectlife.org/growing-toward-adulthoodTue, 06 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncWhat concerns you most as you grow toward adulthood? What would you like to learn about adulthood? Is there any one around to teach you?

]]>http://www.vaprojectlife.org/growing-toward-adulthoodPermanency-What is it to you?http://www.vaprojectlife.org/permanency-what-is-it-to-youMon, 28 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMTMeridian Tech Group, IncAccording to the California Youth Permanency Project, permanency is “both a process and a result that includes involvement of the youth as a participant or leader in finding a permanent connection with at least one committed adult who provides:

A safe, stable and secure parenting relationship
Love
Unconditional commitment
Lifelong support in the context of reunification, a legal adoption, or guardianship, where possible, and in which the youth has the opportunity to maintain contacts with important persons including brothers & sisters”

Do you have someone who fits this definition?
Why does this person fit this definition?
If you answered no, then how can you find this?

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