MARYLAND FOSTER YOUTH RESOURCE CENTER OPEN HOUSE
BALTIMORE, October 4, 2010 – The Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center (MFYRC) established by former foster youth to respond to the needs of children transitioning from foster care to independence, will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, October 13, 2010. The event will be held from 2PM-7PM at their new location 2530 N. Charles Street, Suite 304, Baltimore, MD 21218.
The afternoon agenda will include remarks from Darryl “DMC” McDaniels from RunDMC and Former Secretary of the Department of Human Resources, and current Vice President of Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Center for Effective Family Services Systems Brenda Donald. Guests will learn more about the Center and the needs of transitioning and former foster youth and the resources MFYRC has to offer to this population and those who work with them.
As young people approach adulthood, they dream of becoming socially, emotional and financially independent. They are eager to leave “home” and to go out on their own with the continued support of parents and other relatives. But for many individuals reaching age 18 and “aging out” of foster care systems, it can be a time of uncertainty and anxiety. After years of living with foster families or in group homes, they lack family safety nets, role models or moral support.
The Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center (MFYRC) helps these transitioning young adults emerge from a system that provided for their basic needs, and helps them build life skills to confidently take on the responsibilities of independent adults.
Shalita O‟Neale, Founder/Executive Director and a foster care alumni herself, knows the stereotyping that harms the self-image of young people in the system. Speaking of foster youth she says: “We are not troublemakers; we‟re not „difficult‟ kids. We have hopes and dreams, ideas and expectations.” The Center has been established to ensure that our voices are heard so we can participate in improving the lives of youth in foster care.”
