04 Jul FosterWalks Inspire Change Across Nation

FosterWalks Raise Awareness of Foster Care Alumni Needs

FCAA-Washington Chapter – 2017 FosterWalks

FosterWalks Campaign Builds Community for Those Who Come from Foster Care

Each year Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA) launches a national FosterWalks campaign to raise awareness of the needs of those who come from foster care. Over the course of two months, eight chapters participated including Central Virginia, Georgia, Washington, Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Massachusetts and Piedmont, Virginia. In total, 331 FCAA members, family, friends, and allies walked together to raise $23,000. This is the fourth year of the annual event.

FCAA-Georgia Chapter – 2017 FosterWalks

The FosterWalks took place in May during National Foster Care Month. A few walks were also held in June. FCAA-Georgia Chapter President Jessica Ushry expressed excitement as she spoke about coordinating the FosterWalk in Atlanta, Georgia. “The event was amazing,” Jessica said. “Even strangers in the park wanted to be a part of our event and donated to our wonderful chapter.”
Funds raised will go towards supporting members for scholarships, advocacy work, and community building.

The FosterWalks were lively and accompanied by food, music and themed blue and white balloons. Chapter members donned white and blue t-shirts with the hashtag ‘FosterStrong’ to demonstrate the resilience of those impacted by the foster care system.

“It is estimated that 12 million people have experienced foster care in the U.S,” said FCAA President Mary Herrick. “Young adults often leave foster care without a network of support and necessities like an apartment, high school diploma, or a job.”

FCAA-Texas Chapter – 2017 FosterWalks

But at FCAA we believe in the power of change. FosterWalks give members a chance to connect with fellow alumni and advocate for a better system for our brothers and sisters in care. Thank you to our many sponsors, including FosterMore and Foster Focus for making this event possible.

If you would like to learn more about our advocacy and policy work, visit https://fostercarealumni.org/policy-and-advocacy/. You can also find and like us on Facebook.