National Foster Care Day

 My journey in foster care began with a difficult start, but it eventually led me to a fulfilling life with an amazing career as a publicist, owning my own business, High Five PR. Prior to that, I spent 17 years working as the producer for Detroit’s #1-morning show, The Nine. 

Now, I am married with three kids of my own, and we are in the process of adopting three more children. I am grounded, well-rounded, involved in my community, and happy. I didn’t get here without struggle or trauma, but I had great people in my life who supported me along the way.

Growing up in foster care, I knew the statistics were against me. Many children who age out of the foster care system face immense challenges, including homelessness, unemployment, and difficulties in school. In fact, when children age out of the foster care system, they often face daunting challenges. The National Foster Youth Institute reports that:

• More than 23,000 children age out of the US foster care system every year.
• 20% of those who age out will become instantly homeless.
• Only 50% will be employed by the age of 24.
• Less than 3% will earn a college degree by the age of 25.
• 70% of girls who age out of the foster care system will become pregnant before the age of 21.
• Foster youth who age out are more likely to suffer from PTSD at twice the rate of US war veterans.

Despite these discouraging statistics, my success story serves as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support and determination, foster children can overcome their circumstances and achieve great things.

This is a call to action for all of us to make a difference in the lives of children in foster care. We must work together to address the urgent need for more caring and dedicated foster parents, as well as the need for additional resources and support for these children. By stepping up and providing a safe, nurturing environment for foster children, we can help them break free from the cycle of poverty, trauma, and failure. 

Together, we can create a brighter future for children in foster care and show the world that they are capable of achieving incredible success, just like I did.

If you are interested in making a difference, consider becoming a foster parent or volunteering with organizations that support foster children. 

Let’s all do our part to support these vulnerable children and give them the chance to thrive.

If you are interested in being a foster parent or want to learn how to get involved and help, please send me an email at connie@highfivepr.com and I will get you in touch with resources in the area that you live in.