>> IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
>> Honoring Those Who Served Our Country by Diamonique Walker
>> The Joy of the Holidays by Jerry Bobo
>> Letter From the Editor by Jim Theofelis
>> Why I Believe in What I Do by Antonette Ambrosia
>> “Hey, Can You Spare Some Change?” by Ian Grant
>> The Holidays in Foster Care by Amanda Bevington
>> The Changing Times
>> Celebrate With A Youth In Foster Care by Ashlie Lanier
>> Creative Corner
>> Community Events
>> Quote of the Month
>> News From the Mockingbird Network: Your Needs, Your Voice
>> Get Published ~ Get Paid!
>> Thank you!
>> Happy Holidays!
The Mockingbird Times last print paper will be March 2010. Beginning in April the paper will be available electronically only. Please see further details below.
Honoring Those Who Served Our Country by Diamonique Walker
This year, for Veterans Day, The Mockingbird Network Representatives went to the Kawabe Memorial Center, a retirement community in Seattle, to honor some of the veterans there and spread some holiday cheer. We baked pies earlier that day to share with our friends. We also made certificates to honor the veterans that reside there. Just as the year before, the senior citizens shared with us their expertise in the art of origami.
As one vulnerable community of foster youth giving back to another community in need, the experience of volunteering is amazing. Building that relationship with the people at Kawabe gives them something to look forward to as the holidays approach each year. In an effort to share time with and support members of the community, we had the opportunity to recognize and appreciate the following veterans: Robert Rosenberger, Shunji Yuasa, Michio Kimura, Ben Nakamura, Ben Sugawara, Charles Green, Ken Nishimura, and William Sumida for their work in either the Vietnam War or World War II. We told a brief history of Veterans Day and gave each veteran a certificate of recognition for their honor and sacrifice.
The Mockingbird Network Representatives join Veterans and retirees as the Kawabe Memorial Center to share war stories and origami.
I also had the opportunity to interview a couple of the veterans about the importance of fighting for their country and what they thought about Veterans Day. Vietnam War veteran Robert Rosenberger said, “My grandfather was a soldier under Patton, my father was a marine in Korea, and I was just following my patriotic duty, a family thing… I was too young to understand what I was fighting for, as most young men are, so [we] generally follow tradition rather than have an idea of what [we’re] fighting for.” He also added, “You don’t really know what patriotism is until you stand shoulder to shoulder with people that feel the same way as you and who want the same things as you do and you get this brotherhood about you that teaches you what this country is all about.”
Veterans Day, a day set aside to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all United States veterans, is observed each year on November 11th. Unlike Memorial Day, which is to honor those who died in war, Veterans Day honors all who have served in the military whether in war or peace. Formerly known as Armistice Day (armistice meaning temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement of the warring parties or truce), the holiday was originally set as a legal U.S. holiday to honor the “armistice” of World War I, which officially ended on November 11th, 1918. Since 1938, November 11th has been “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.’” The holiday honored all WWI veterans. In 1938, after having been through WWII and the Korean War, the name of the holiday was changed from Armistice Day to Veterans’ Day, to honor American veterans who had served in any of the wars.
Everyone has their own reasons for why they decided to be a part of the military and fight for their country. “I just wanted to see a better world, a world with no war, a peaceful world,” says Ben Nakamura, Korean War veteran. Being a veteran is very honorable and each deserves to be celebrated and thanked.
It was an awesome experience spending time with our friends in the community and being able to celebrate Veterans Day with them. I believe they enjoy us as much as we enjoy them. We look forward to going again next month to sing Christmas carols and spread more holiday cheer. Hopefully we will be invited to share the holidays with them for many more years to come.
The Joy of the Holidays by Jerry Bobo
In November, the holiday season starts approaching and different emotions rise to the surface of one’s memory, irreplaceable memories of how family and friends bring enjoyment to the holidays. There are many other times of the year to spend with members of these groups, but Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are truly holidays that bring everyone together as one. The joy you get from comforting words, playful gestures, warming faces, and the natural atmosphere brought by each individual. There is always a good feeling one gets from thinking about those you care about, even if you’re not communicating with them every day or as often as you like, but the memories of good times will remain with you. I asked three youth from different backgrounds about the holiday season. Two of the youth grew up in traditional households and one youth grew up in the foster care system. No matter your situation, they agreed that family and friends are most important.
When thinking of the holidays, many things come to mind: What famous dish you’re going to make, what activities to do, who is going to be on the guest list, etc. I asked Megan Riggs, Kevin Smith, and Javon Middleton, what was the first thing that came to mind when they thought about the holidays and why. Each youth had a similar answer. Riggs, a young woman who grew up in a traditional home, said, “I think of family. It is the only time when my whole family gets together and that’s the best part.” I concur that is the first thing that comes to mind for me as well. The holiday would not be the same if family of some sort were not present. It makes everything enjoyable. Smith also grew up in a traditional home and his response was, “Definitely seeing my family and friends is the first thing that comes to mind.” Friends are important pieces of your life and friends are part of your family. They have their own branch on the family tree.
Middleton grew up in the foster care system and has had difficulties with the holidays, but has positive memories. “I have had many holidays that did not go the way I expected, family members arguing and relatives complaining. But that’s the joy of it. Being with my family that still have disagreements and have fun, is something that cannot be replaced.” That is the joy of the holidays. Putting all disagreements to side, at least for one day, to create memories.
Memories are movies that constantly replay over and over in your brain. Just about everyone has a great holiday memory that they will never forget. I asked Middleton and Smith what one memory they will never forget and why. “I will never forget when I and my mom and brother were dancing around the coffee table in our living room while my dad watched. We would dance to my mom’s Motown Christmas album, ‘Little Drummer Boy’ by The Temptations to be exact. I remember it so much because it just embodies the spirit of Christmas and family being together,” shared Smith. Being together as a family is fun. I remember one Christmas I was staying the night over at my cousin’s house for Christmas. I woke before anyone else and gave the wake-up call then waited for everyone to come downstairs. When I opened one of my gifts, I saw the music CD that I wanted so badly. I will never forget that morning because even thought my aunt laughed at me for being so excited, she knew that gift meant a lot to me.
Middleton’s answer was, “The greatest memory I have about the holidays is when I got my dog on Christmas Eve. I and my mom were on our way home when she stopped at the store and only came out with a big bone. I didn’t tell my mom I wanted a dog and I didn’t know she knew. When we got home I saw a puppy pit bull waiting with my aunt in the house. That day will stay with me forever.” He added, “Bully is still my best friend and I walk him everyday.” As you see, even friendships have formed from great memories in life.
There is no comparison to what family means to someone. You cannot put a price on family. Four different people (including myself) that have four different lives share the similarity of being with family for the holiday season. Coming together as one to bring enjoyment to each other before the year comes to a close is a great way to start a new one.
Happy Holidays!
Letter From the Editor by Jim Theofelis
Happy Holidays to each of you! Although 2009 has been a difficult year in so many ways, it has also been an opportunity for those of us at The Mockingbird Society to prove we can sing and fly even under the most trying circumstances. I am so proud of the staff, volunteers, Board of Directors, and the children, youth and families we serve to have accomplished so much during this unprecedented year.
The Mockingbird Network continues to demonstrate the value and progress that can be achieved when we view the youth and alumni as the premier leaders in the social justice effort to build a world-class foster care system. The Mockingbird Family Model has demonstrated its efficacy as a true Practice Model that addresses Child Safety, Well-Being and Permanency outcomes in a holistic, integrated, and cost-effective manner. Additionally, as an organization and with your support, The Mockingbird Society continues to develop the capacity and infrastructure necessary to carry the voice and agenda for major foster care system reform. As we prepare for 2010 we have worked hard to identify new strategies and cost-saving efficiencies that will strengthen us and our ability to realize our core mission. We are excited about conducting work to update our Strategic Plan during 2010 as well as expand our capacity for public education, advocacy and system reform.
It is especially during difficult times that The Mockingbird Society is most needed to ensure that the children, youth, and families in foster care receive the support and advocacy they deserve and need. I know that you all receive numerous requests for end of year donations to so many remarkable organizations. I ask that you remember the amazing work and accomplishments of The Mockingbird Society and consider a donation to us that will allow us to continue building a world-class foster care system. Happy Holidays to you and those you love!
Why I Believe in What I Do by Antonette Ambrosia
As a child, I thought my life was like everyone else’s: I had a mom, a dad, a younger brother, and two younger sisters. We had pets, went camping, traveled all over the United States, and all sorts of fun, family things. I had no idea what foster care was or why anyone would be placed in care. Until one day, after my parents had divorced, when the police came to my house looking for my mother’s boyfriend. Along with my younger siblings, I was placed in foster care almost an hour later. During our brief stay, we still had no clue really as to what was going on. I was not informed of my rights as an adolescent in foster care or informed about my case. After returning home, foster care became a recurring event in my life. I knew this time that I would find a way to be heard, to ensure that my younger siblings and I received quality care.
This time around, I had matured and knew that I was not receiving everything entitled to me while being a ward of the court. The longer I remained in foster care, the more concerned I became for other children in my situation. Private agencies are assigned by the Department of Child Services to provide foster children with services including therapy, independent living, and visitation with family. However, the services are not always provided, leaving youth with their needs not met. Because there is not adequate follow up with agencies that take care of foster youth, many youth miss out on those services which ultimately prepare them for life after care. This disparity affects a large amount every day of youth in foster care throughout our nation.
So many youth are not aware that the state is funding programs to benefit their lives. Information is pivotal to success during and after time spent in care. Youth who are unaware of the opportunities that local agencies and the state are able to provide for them while in care can unfortunately become adults who do not possess the skills necessary to adequately sustain their lives as responsible, productive people. As I remained a ward of the state I continued to see disparities such as this all around me. I did not want my future to be the same. It took two years before I became informed about what actions would need to be taken regarding these private agencies not fulfilling their obligations. Two years could be the length of one youth’s stay in the system; this is too long to not receive services that each youth deserves. I felt that it was my duty to help inform youth around the state, although, I did not know how I could achieve this on my own.
I soon found exactly what I needed to help with my pursuit: the Indiana Youth Advisory Board (IYAB). I was fortunate to hear the president of this board speak about their mission and a few of their accomplishments. I knew that my voice needed to be on this board. I put in my application and a month later received an invitation to the next board meeting. I have now been an active member of the IYAB for almost three years.
As a member of the IYAB, I work with other youth from around the state to help better the lives of all youth in foster care. I am a part of a board that knows first-hand the changes that need to be made in order to better the lives of all youth who enter foster care. An advocate on behalf of all youth in care, I, along with the other members, am working hard to change legislation and policies to improve the lives of youth during and after care. Recently, we have met with our legislatures to get support to pass important bills to benefit the youth in foster care in our state.
After two years in foster care, just before I would have been returned home, I finally found a way to help fix a situation so that all youth who enter care may prevail. If I hadn’t experienced this myself, I never would have dreamed that so many changes would need to be made. It is important for those who have experienced certain obstacles in life to speak out and inform those in power of what needs to be changed in order for our foster care system to be effective and successful. Because I found a way for my voice to be heard, many children across Indiana will benefit and lead more successful, self-sufficient lives after care.
“Hey, Can You Spare Some Change?” by Ian Grant
Yeah, you’ve heard it before. We all have. Depending on where you are, more often than not it’s a young person behind the cup, behind the cardboard sign, behind the battered pawnshop guitar. Youth unemployment (unemployment among people aged 16-24) hit a staggering 53.4% in September 2009.1 You have to go back to the Great Depression to find worse numbers. Unfortunately, there aren’t any current numbers for foster youth, but, if you scale the figures for the three years ending in 2002 (55% unemployment for foster youth2 in the three states studied; average national unemployment 4.83%3) with today’s national unemployment rate (10.2%4), you end up with a projected 116% unemployment rate. Obviously, that’s impossible but it gives you an idea of the struggle that youth in care are facing as they age out of care and prepare to enter the workforce.
It is an unfortunate reality of the foster care system that the vast majority of foster youth who “age out” of foster care (those who are in foster care on their 18th birthday) are largely thrown upon their own resources and need to find employment to survive. So why aren’t foster youth (and indeed, youth in general) finding employment?
I talked with Christian Madruga, a career and education counselor at Treehouse (treehouse4kids.org) about the issue. He believes that many youth don’t receive enough exposure to career opportunities, saying that youth “…go to school, get good grades, but nobody is taking a look at the youth and asking about their interests and then broadening those interests into a career… Foster youth are dealing with so many other issues: visitation rights, switching schools, switching families—they have so much on their plates that is a barrier to finding employment.” Madruga believes that more service providers should take “personal responsibility [for educating] these kids about what’s going on… We need to make sure that they have the tools to get a career or a college degree. That’s the bottom line.”
I also spoke with Aaron Fox, a resource specialist and career counselor at the YMCA Center For Young Adults (seattleymca.org/page.cfm?id=center). Fox thinks that one of the primary reasons youth are so disproportionately unemployed is that many “are unwilling to do jobs available to them, like fast food or other unskilled labor.” He encourages youth to take any job they can get, at least initially, saying that “it’s a lot easier to get a job if you already have a job.” However, he also believes that society has not done enough to support foster youth. He says, “People who are reading this who have the ability to create opportunities for youth to work need to do that. Period.”
I’d like to close with something Mr. Fox said that I think everybody reading this article should take to heart: “We, as a society, need to be more invested in creating a better world through our youth.”
1 www.nypost.com/p/news/business/the_dead_end_kids_AnwaWNOGqsXMuIlGONNX1K
2 aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/fostercare-agingout02/index.htm#Data
3, 4 data.bls.gov/PDQ/servlet/SurveyOutputServlet?request_action=wh&graph_name=LN_cpsbref3
The Holidays in Foster Care by Amanda Bevington
As you know, it’s the autumn season which means pretty leaves falling, exciting holidays to celebrate, and really good food. It’s a time where family and friends come together as one. I think fall is the best season; we celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a new fresh year to start off.
Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival. Traditionally, it is a time to give thanks to loved ones. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated to give thanks to God for helping the pilgrims survive the horrible winter, but is now primarily identified as a secular holiday. Personally, Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday. I enjoy the food and spending time with my family and friends, but I do have to admit it can be very stressful in many different situations. As a child in foster care, holidays were the very hardest thing to accept. I never had a steady family that I could celebrate all year round. It’s hard when you might be with one family for a year but then the next family for a limited time. How can a child adapt to this? While all my peers were talking about family and fun, that was one thing I couldn’t relate to. Even though I had many different foster families, something about not being around your biological family made a big impact on me.
For example, Christmas to me is a time you spend with your family and friends and appreciate what you already have in life, but what I see is a lot of people being real greedy around that time of year. I think gift giving has become the main focus of Christmas for many people in the United States. People always seem to forget about the concept of Christmas. Technically, Christmas is a time when we remember the birth and death of Jesus Christ.
Although presents are very fun and exiting, what about the kids that get teased at school because they don’t have new Jordan’s or fresh new clothes? I remember the first Christmas I had with my adoptive family. My adopted sister would brag that she had more presents than I so that meant she was loved more than I. Things like this really crush a kid’s heart. I think it’s important for your family to really sit down and talk to you about why we really celebrate holidays and what’s the true meaning of that holiday.
Then there’s what I consider the best holiday year-round: New Year’s Day. I love New Year’s Day because it’s a time to reflect on the past and to welcome the New Year. I can admit New Year’s Eve can sometimes get a little out of hand but it’s the best way to celebrate a new fresh start in life. Again, this is a time where we come together and spend time with family and friends. We gather around and wait until midnight to celebrate the New Year. We come together and tell one another our New Year’s resolutions. Family and friends discuss accomplishments and defeats. Happy New Year!
The Changing Times
Beginning April 1, 2010, the Mockingbird Times will be available as only an electronic version. You can receive it via email, or view it online.
Over the last year, The Mockingbird Network has developed 6 Chapters across Washington State. Our vision is to take the Mockingbird Times to the next level, building an electronic platform for voice and expression where youth and alumni of foster care across the nation can share their experiences and information about the child welfare system and have it all available to a much larger readership online.
If you are currently receiving a print copy of the Mockingbird Times, you can sign up to receive it electronically at www.mockingbirdsociety.org/email-sign-up.
Celebrate With A Youth In Foster Care by Ashlie Lanier
Creative Corner
My Loving Family by Rosie Valencia
My loving family makes
me comfortable, like a couch
that gives you hugs and kisses when
you’re down.
My loving family is like nights that
keep you from getting harmed they’re
the kind of family you’ll
need in life.
My loving family will never give
up on you, even when times are
rough. I am so thankful for
a family like them.
My loving family will never stop
loving you. They are always gonna
be there for you. That’s what
I call a loving family.
I am very thankful for a
loving family like them. Thanks
for loving me with all
your heart. This is what my
family is like.
Why I Run by Danielle Jones
Why I run
I run to escape those eyes
I run from pain my heart holds untold with hate beneath
I run from those hurtful lies from people who were suppose to be right
I run to make the pain from being stabbed with that knife called hate and lies
I run to make the day better told without lies
I run from reality and that pain beneath
I run
Skater Girl by Sonady Chea
Community Events
Region 1
Dec. 1-20: Horse and Carriage Rides, Fri 3–8 PM, Sat-Sun 12-5 PM, Downtown Spokane, FREE.
Region 2
Dec. 12: Saturday Night Live drop-in program for youth ages 7-15, 7-9:30 PM, FREE; (509) 248-1202.
Dec. 18: Family Christmas, 4-8 PM, Southeast Community Center, FREE; (509) 575-6114.
Region 3
Dec. 21: Scottish Country Dancing, ages 8+, 7-9 PM, First lesson FREE; (360) 293-2340 or skagitscottish@yahoo.com.
Dec. 22: NAMI Open Support Group, 7-9 PM, FREE; (360) 540-0795 or mermama@gmail.com.
Region 4
Dec. 25: Winterfest Luminata, 5 PM, Seattle Center, FREE; (206) 684-7200.
Dec. 31: Fireworks Show, FREE, Seattle Space Needle.
Region 5
Dec. 9: The Mockingbird Society Holiday Party, FREE for foster youth and alumni, 3:30 PM, Pierce County Alliance.
Region 6
Dec. 10: Bike Drop In Outreach, 1-5 PM, Bike Drop In, FREE; (509) 248-1202.
Dec. 16: Independent Living Skills (ILS) Holiday Party, 4-7:30 PM, Community Youth Services, FREE for ILS participants.
Quote of the Month
Don’t look where you fell but where you slipped.
~ Taoist saying
News From the Mockingbird Network
Region 1: UNITE! Chapter in Spokane County by Katrina Dyer
This month nine youth and alumni attended our Know your Rights training at Volunteers of America which I co-facilitated with Lauren Steed our Resource Specialist. We had pizza, pop, and a great experience learning our rights as foster youth and alumni. We also had a community service project where we teamed up with Crosswalk, an emergency shelter in Spokane, and passed out brown paper bag lunches to the homeless. We first made the lunches; peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, popcorn, bottled water, and a granola bar, then handed them out at the bus plaza in downtown Spokane. Many homeless and hungry people seemed to be extremely thankful for a free lunch that day in honor of Thanksgiving.
Region 2: A.C.T. F.I.R.S.T. Chapter in Yakima County by Sandra Hunt
At our monthly meeting we talked about how we would present our chapter at the State Advisory Council. We also talked about the Summit and we are ALL excited that it is at the Hilton! We brainstormed ideas on how we would recruit ten youth from our region to go. Last Saturday we flew to Seattle to the State Advisory Council meeting where we passed our Advocacy Day agenda. The two topics that were passed are: Surprise Health, Safety, and Safety Wellbeing Visits and Legal Representation for Youth. After that we were debriefed by Kara Sanders about the 2010 Summit and we are totally excited to do an icebreaker. After the meeting we had to get on a bumpy flight back to Yakima. We are looking forward to Advocacy Day and The Summit!
Region 3: Hey Mac Chapter in Skagit County by Eva Ervin
The Region 3 chapter had a great month in November. We talked about some important issues in the foster care system and focused on the importance of Legal Representation. At the Network Advisory Council, we were able to discuss this issue more, and the council voted to bring Legal Representation to the table on Advocacy Day. We also visited the Bellingham Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to do a Culture of Foster Care Training. Next month we are looking forward to making blankets for children at Skagit Valley Hospital and going caroling with Mountain Glen Retirement Home.
Region 4: For Change Chapter in King County by Ian Grant
Region 4 had an exciting November! First, I’d like to welcome Rhonda Smith, our interim Rotating Chapter Leader. We continued to develop our message around adequate legal representation for youth in care, inviting Erin Shea of Columbia Legal Services to give a talk about exactly how being represented by an attorney empowers youth in care. On Veterans’ Day we visited the Kawabe Center in the Central District to honor the veterans that stay there (and bake and eat some absolutely delicious pie). They were kind enough to teach us some basic origami, which is a Japanese paper craft art. To learn more or get involved, come to our next chapter meeting on December 14th at the 2100 building!
Region 5: Chapter in Pierce County by DeMarea Kirk
Recently, we all got together at St. Leo’s, a local food bank in Tacoma. We woke up early to give back to families who depend on the food. We enjoyed every minute we got to help and had fun in the process. Also, Samantha and I facilitated a Know Your Rights training in our region. We trained our youth on their rights while in care and how to get the resources they need to succeed. It was a great meeting which had all the youth interacting with each other and working as a team.
Region 6: Chapter in Thurston County by Sam Evans
This month our chapter (Region 6) has been really been trucking along. We held our second training this month and had an amazing turnout (21!). Graham and I also went to two Center for Children & Youth Justice summits. At the last summit we teamed up with Georgina Ramirez and Tanjera Brown of Region 4 to educate the Attorney General, Rob McKenna, about the need for adequate legal representation for youth in foster care. Our chapter kick off went well and we are also going to be holding elections for the other chapter leader soon.
Get Published ~ Get Paid!
We are looking for articles, poetry, artwork, and photography from our young readers who have experience in the foster care system and/or with homelessness. If you want to be published in the Mockingbird Times, contact us at 206-323-5437 or via email at kara@mockingbirdsociety.org.
Thank You!
Anonymous (2); Stephanie Brosio; Daniel Burleigh; Carla Butts; Casey Family Programs; Cooper Levy Trust; Karen Cowgill; Crosswalk; Rex Erickson and Diane Cooley; Peter and Patty Fewing; Makeba Greene; Jillian Gross; Dr. Wanda Hackett; JoAnn Herbert, in memory of June Herbert; Annie L. Huguley; Deborah Jacobs; Danille Kettel, SETuP; Sarah LaGrange, Americorps; Mona Lake and Joe Jones; Sandra L. Lee; Ron and Lauren Maier; Alma McClain-Williams; The Norcliffe Foundation; Alex Okerman, YMCA; Laura Pierce; Pierce County Alliance Staff; Vanitha Raman; Jean Roberts; Rosie’s Place staff; Dae Shogren, Heather Guz, and Brian Hatcher of Independent Living Services; Nancy Singleton; Reynelda Solitaire; Mary Anne Thorbeck; Alicia Tonasket; Sofie Vriends; Sara Wolfgang, Treehouse; Korynne Wright; Robert Wyman
The Mockingbird Society wishes you and your loved ones a very happy and peaceful holiday season.