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This is "Post Four" of a series on COVID-19. Click Here for Post One Click Here for Post Two Click Here for Post Three "The uncertainty of this time can bring up old trauma wounds that remind us of times of deprivation and uprooting in the past." This insight introduces this new video from Sarah, a FFY, LCSW, and Empty Frames Initiative board member. In the video below, Sarah encourages us to exercise self-compassion as we're experiencing the emotional and physical effects of

We've been keeping track of national surveys and reports on the needs of former foster youth in response to COVID-19, but we are now looking to ask North Carolina FFY to give us their feedback! Additionally, we're looking for some feedback from our supporters on ways they may be willing to assist those deeply impacted by COVID-19. Each survey only takes about 3 minutes! Click Here for Former Foster Youth Needs Assessment Survey AND/OR Click Here for Supporter Willingness Surv

At Empty Frames Initiative, we have been working on our Culture Guide for a while now. This is a workbook for training staff, volunteers, and board members for how to do the work of caring for orphaned and vulnerable youth as they transition out of state care. It's not finished, but now seemed like an appropriate time to share one work-in-progress section titled "Faith Over Fear". This was written with believers in mind; if you haven't chosen Jesus as your Savior we encourage

This is "Post Three" of a series on COVID-19. Click Here for Post One Click Here for Post Two What to be wary of in the midst and after-math of COVID-19. Whenever a crisis is occurring, or in the passing of a crisis, it is important to be wary of people and "projects" that may arise to exploit the public panic and lack of immediate resources. These cautions have been compiled with foster youth alumni in mind, but apply to the general public as well. Job Advertisements Promisi

This is "Post Two" of a series on COVID-19. Click Here for Post One There's a lot of information going around about COVID-19! One of our board members and a FFY, Sarah Chambers, works in health care and created this video for our "What to Do" series. Here are links to a few of the suggestions Sarah made in the video above in order of mention: Antiviral foods and plants Things for oxygen level measurement: Oximeter or Checking for Signs of Respiratory Distress Checking the C.D

This is "Post One" of a series on COVID-19. First and foremost, please know that you are not alone in this. Our first suggestion to youth recently having exited foster care (past ten years, but this may apply even further) is to start gathering documents into a physical folder. Digital is great, but having these things printed is more secure and easier in the long run. These suggestions are based on situations that may arise in response to COVID-19, like changes in housing, c

COVID-19 and it's impact on youth formerly in foster care, and the foster care system as a whole.