Faith Burtenshaw, age 19, spent seven years in Missouri’s Child Welfare system.
Faith first entered foster care in 2003 and then again in 2012. The first time she entered care she had gone to 3 homes; a temporary placement, a boys and girls shelter, then a regular foster home. The second time she went to a temporary placement home, a foster home, a kinship place, and now is on her own. Her foster care experience has led her to take leadership roles with RYAB’s (Regional Youth Advisory Board) and SYAB (State Youth Advisory Board), as a Co-chair.
She has taken part in many child advocacy opportunities in her state, by speaking to legislators, supporting in the state annual conference that supports foster youth and volunteering at homeless shelters. Also providing her expertise of the system to support new foster parents - in hopes, they consider supporting transition-aged youth. To decrease the high percentage of older youth living in residential facilities.
Passionate about traveling the world and hopes to help others along her journey. She will always continue to advocate in the hope to empower those who do not have a voice.
Faith is supportive and caring for others. She believes anyone can help and be a service to the community; even if it is in the slightest way, it can be life-saving for another.
