Anthony Tullio, 21, New Jersey’s foster care system 

Anthony entered care at age 14, while he was a freshman in high school. He believes that in his time as a foster youth he learned about the expectations people hold close to their heart, and how to find ways to bring understanding to everyone involved. 

Anthony’s most notable volunteer experience is when he went to Oregon this past summer to volunteer with Camp to Belong. Camp to Belong is a non-profit organization whose mission is to reunite brothers and sisters who are placed in separate foster homes and other forms of out-of-home care, for a weeklong excursion where siblings come back together and make memories at camp. There is multiple Camp to Belongs across the world, the one in Oregon is the Flagship. He spent both day and night with the kids, and while it was easily the most exhausting week of his life, it was also the most fulfilling. He watched as the kids developed over the course of their time there, beginning with scared or angry faces getting off the bus, and ending with tears, upset they had to leave. He also worked with others, including other Foster Club All-Stars, and learned their methods of providing positive youth engagement. 

Anthony enjoys drawing and painting. He’s always wanted to paint but didn’t try painting until he went to college. Now it has become an integral part of his identity and inspired him to Minor in Art. He enjoys reading and following along with comics, playing board games, and the classic watching Netflix!

Anthony is working on his career goals in two ways.

One through working with Price Family Fellows Program. The program is a Rutgers-based supportive program for those who have had experience in the Foster System. It is funded by the Price family, and they select only twenty people to advocate for foster youth throughout the duration of the program.

And secondly Zimmerli Art Museum Exhibit. Anthony is working on a documentary project with Duke University and the Lewis-Hines Fellowship, and has been selected to have the project displayed at the Rutgers University art museum, the Zimmerli, starting in April and ending in September.

State(s)
Team(s) or Cohort(s)
2019 Outstanding Young Leaders
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