2019 #FosterEquality Spokesperson

3 years in California's child welfare system 20 years old He/Him/His & They/Them/Theirs Woodland, California Patrick entered care at the age of 17 after escaping his abusive family, and has opted into extended care. Patrick has experienced a foster home, SILP — a supervised independent living placement, was homeless for... Read more

5 years in Pennsylvania's child welfare system 19 years old She/Her/Hers & They/Them/Theirs Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Ameris is a queer Black organizer who experienced 5 years of care in Pennsylvania. While in care, she experienced one foster home placement where her parents were two White lesbian women. Previously, Ameris attended Pittsburgh... Read more

16 years in Ohio's child welfare system. 26 years old She/Her/Hers Cleveland, Ohio Sonia Emerson entered foster care at the age of two and remained in care until she emancipated out at 18 years old. After leaving care, Sonia experienced homelessness for a year. During this time, Sonia began volunteering... Read more