VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:  

CONTRIBUTE TO THE HANDBOOK FOR LIFE AFTER FOSTER CARE THROUGH FOSTER CARE ALUMNI OF AMERICA

FCAA is currently developing a book titled "The Handbook for Life After Foster Care".   It's a book for young people transitioning from foster care into adulthood, written by people who have been there--alumni. Are you someone who has both survived and thrived this huge transition? If so, we want to hear from you! 

Our Handbook is different than any of the other resources out there.  It isn't about how to get a job, find an apartment or cook a meal. This book is about the emotional transition from foster care to adulthood, as understood and told through the expertise of alumni of all ages.  This is our chance to talk with our younger brothers and sisters, to offer encouragement, to share the things we wish we'd known during our own transitions. 

Please submit your stories and artwork to us by January 7, 2009. For more details, please visit the section of our website about the Handbook for Life After Foster Care.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  

FOSTER YOUTH INTERNSHIP  

Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, WashingtonDC

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute’s (CCAI) Foster Youth Internship (FYI) Program is a competitive, highly esteemed Congressional Internship for young adults who were in U.S. foster care at the time of their eighteenth birthday or who were adopted after their fourteenth birthday from the U.S. foster care system. 

All applicants must be enrolled in college and have completed 4 semesters by May 21, 2009.  The 2009 program will place 16 academically successful college students in the Washington, D.C. offices of Members of Congress.  The dates for the 2009 Congressional Foster Youth Internship are set as May 23 - July 18, 2009.

The eight-week internship is a full-time work experience. Interns are paid a small stipend that will cover daily expenses. The CCAI FYI program pays major expenses such as transportation to Washington, D.C., housing, and transportation to and from internship activities. Interns must live in Washington, D.C. for the full duration of the program, including residing with the internship class at the provided Washington, D.C. university.

Download the full description and application here, deadline for applying is 1/9/09.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:  

Seita Campus Coach, Foster Youth & Higher Education Initiative

Western Michigan University's Seita Scholars Program, which is part of the Foster Youth & Higher Edcation Initiative, is seeking a Seita Campus Coach.  This full-time position will serve to provide support and advocacy to students who have aged out of foster care and are living on campus at WMU.  See www.wmich.edu/fyit for the program description.  A Masters degree in social work or counseling psychology, and a minimum of one year experience with foster care services and systems is required. 

Interested applicants are referred to www.wmich.edu/hr/careers-at-wmu.htm for a description of duties, complete qualifications, minimum starting salary, and application procedures.  Deadline to apply is January 12, 2009.  WMU is an EO Employer.   

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:

Send a valentine to alumni in college through Orphan Foundation of America

Each year, the Orphan Foundation of America sends out care packages to alumni college students in their program.  Now is the time for YOU to get involved by sharing hand-made valentines with the students!  In addition to the cards, each student will get a hand-knitted scarf, treats, personal care items and school supplies. 

The criteria for cards are simple:

• No glitter!  While it is very pretty, unfortunately it gets all over everything in the care package.
• No religious messages.  OFA cannot control who will get each card and students come from all religious backgrounds.
• No references to the student being orphaned, in foster care, or parentless. 

You are invited to write words of encouragement like 'you can do it', 'keep up the good work', etc.  Please sign your card with first name, city, state, and organization (ie from Amanda, Alexandria VA, Foster Care Alumni of America).

The deadline for sending in your cards is  January 31, 2009. For more information, visit the OFA website.

Send your valentines to:

Orphan Foundation of America

attn:  Lynn Davis

21351 Gentry Drive, Suite 130

Sterling VA 20166

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:   
Full Time Employment Support Specialist , Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati Works, non-profit organization, seeks unique FT Employment Support Specialist to work directly with foster care alumni. The committed candidate will help to recruit foster care alumni in the greater Cincinnati area and provide Job Acquisition, Retention Coaching and Advancement Services to these young adults. Candidate needs to demonstrate good work history, 2 to 4 years experience in two or more of the following areas: life skills or job coaching, recruiting, public speaking, teaching and/or group facilitation skills, problem solving skills, and/or assisting peers/people under stress. Experience with services that assist foster youth transitioning out of care preferred. Candidate should possess multi-tasking skills, offer flexibility in managing workload, database management skills, demonstrate positive attitude as a team player, and has a passion to serve people living in poverty. Bachelor’s degree preferred; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; experienced with Word and Outlook. Salary $28,000 to $35,000, dependent on experience. Send cover letter and resume to President, Cincinnati Works, 37 W. 37^th Street, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45202 Resumes accepted until position filled.