Maria Goes to Washington D.C.!
One of twenty-two! That was FAAZ Young Adult Board Member, Maria Rodriguez, who was selected to participate in Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative’s Youth Leadership Institute (YLI). The summer program took Maria from Arizona to Washington D.C. and into our Nation’s Capitol. Maria spent six days training on how to strategically share her story and advocacy agenda with elected officials who have the power to improve the foster care system.
“We had specific training about adolescent development, which is a topic that should be talked about. We made visits on Capitol Hill and shared our views about the expansion of foster care to age 21, especially for the states that don’t have it, and how it could benefit their young people.”
Maria believes youth voice is critical to change. For young people participating in the future, Maria says, “Be prepared to listen, but also, be prepared to speak and participate in the conversations too.” Maria found it cool to hear different points of view from across the nation, and more importantly how the views of her peers can make an impact on the system.
Although Maria is no stranger to advocating in D.C. and speaking to congressional members, she says she learned a lot through this experience and can’t wait to bring back her knowledge to Arizona.
Natalie’s Opportunity Passport™ Match!
Opportunities come and go, but for Natalie Murillo, her recent opportunity has been taking her places. Natalie purchased a 2012 Honda Accord with the support of the Opportunity Passport™ program. Natalie says she is thankful for the help she got because it would have taken her two to three times longer to save the money she needed to buy her car.
Not only did Natalie save money, she now saves time. “Growing up in the system, you are always on someone else’s time; going to work and appointments.” She shared freedom is a luxury that comes with owning a car. “Now, I am able to choose when and where I want to go,” said Natalie.
With her own savings in hand, Natalie was able to double her money through the program’s match savings funds. Ready to make her purchase, she met with Opportunity Passport Coordinator, Gerardo Novoa. She says Gerardo stayed with her through the entire process, from keeping in touch online until she drove off the dealership car lot. She is very thankful for the funds and support she received through the program and recommends anyone looking to purchase a car using Opportunity Passport stay connected to the staff.
“Keep in touch, one simple email,” she said. Although moving around from time to time can be part of life, Natalie highlighted, the support team from the Opportunity Passport™ program is there for you, not matter what the circumstance.
THINK BABIES!
FAAZ Young Adult Leadership Board Member, Stefani, is creating generations of advocates as her family traveled to Washington D.C. for ZERO TO THREE’s Strolling Thunder Conference. Stefani, her husband Luis, and their two youngest boys, Christopher and Casper, represented Arizona as they joined babies and parents nationwide to “stroll up and roll up” to Washington and meet with their Congressional members.
Their main message, THINK BABIES!
The ZERO TO THREE, Think Babies Campaign, is focused on promoting the healthy development and foundation of babies in the first few critical years of their life through the promotion of early childhood programs and services.
Stefani and her family received a sponsorship through Southwest Human Development (SWHD), a local nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development, to attend Strolling Thunder. Stefani shared with members of Congress the positive impact Southwest Human Development’s Healthy Families Program had on her family, helping her and Luis prepare for what to expect as new parents.
Stefani and Luis also spoke with Arizona’s Congressional leaders and staff on what it takes for families to raise healthy babies, including awareness of developmental milestones and early intervention.
Stefani is a proud advocate for the well-being of children, youth and families and hopes to inspire others to “stroll up and roll up” for the health and welfare of generations to come.
Opportunity Passport™ April Survey Month!
It’s that time again- Opportunity Passport™ April Survey Month! Young adults enrolled in the Opportunity Passport™ program NEED to complete their participant survey by Sunday, April 30th 2017. This is your chance to tell us how the program is working for you!
Why is this important? First, by completing the survey you automatically receive $$$$$40 (that’s like 8 coffees from Starbucks!). Secondly, by completing the survey it ensures you remain active in the program. The Opportunity Passport™ coordinator is reaching out to all enrolled youth, so be sure to check your voicemail’s and emails with survey details. When you are ready to take your survey, click HERE and on the right side bar you will see “TAKE THE SURVEY”!
For more information on how to take your survey, or if you are having trouble accessing your survey, reach out to the Opportunity Passport™ coordinator at: cynnetta.boykin@rescue.org
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