Over the years, Senator Wyden has regularly met with FosterClub young leaders in both Washington, DC and Oregon. We appreciate the time and care Senator Wyden takes in listening to current and former foster youth, hearing their experiences, concerns and ideas, and taking those back to Washington to ensure change happens at the federal level.
We are grateful for the leadership from one of Oregon's Senators - Ron Wyden.
Watch Phoenix (All-Star and Oregon Young Leader) reflect on the Senators 2020 National Foster Care Month Statement:
As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc across the world, former and current foster youth like me are being significantly affected. Thankfully, in our Oregon Senator, I know we have a champion.
I know Senator Wyden cares, because he (and his staff) meet with young leaders like myself, regularly. He doesn’t just show up; he listens to our concerns, values our experiences and leads change at the national level.
Recently, Senator Wyden acknowledged National Foster Care Month in a statement on the Senate floor (see the full statement here) - urging his colleagues to “ to listen carefully to the voices of children and youth impacted by the foster care system, act quickly to support these young people through this pandemic and help them transition to adulthood successfully.”
He also recognized the work of an Oregon-based organization that I’m connected to. FosterClub supports young people in building their self-advocacy and elevating lived experience to policymakers - informing positive change within the child welfare system.
Young people like me from foster care who aged out of foster care without a permanent support system to guide us during tough times like these need support.
Thank you for your unfailing support, Senator. I, along with other current and former foster youth in Oregon and across the nation are grateful.