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The Chronicle of Social Change
School Became My Escape
Naiomi Moua is 23 and has three cats that she love dearly. Moua is currently attending Saint Paul College and hoping to study social work and help people in their everyday lives. Some of Moua's hobbies are watching movies and hanging out with her family and friends, and cooking with my family and trying new foods. Moua enjoys the fairs in the summer but also miss winters because of all the bugs. Moua currently is working as a nail technician at a nail salon. Moua enjoys making men/women feel better about themselves, but is looking forward to a change in career path.
A Foster Youth’s Struggle to Pursue Higher Education
As a vibrant and compassionate individual, Arianna Henry embodies a unique blend of traits that define her character. With a deep-rooted love for nature, Henry finds solace and joy in exploring the great outdoors, immersing herself in its beauty and serenity. Henry's affinity for the medical field resonates within her, as Henry is genuinely in tune with its intricacies and advancements, always eager to expand her knowledge and contribute positively to the healthcare community. Engaging with her community as a Froster advocate, Henry is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the well-being of fellow Frosters, fostering a sense of belonging and support. Beyond advocacy work, Henry finds immense pleasure in music and dancing, utilizing these expressive forms as outlets for creativity and joy. With a warm heart and an adventurous spirit, Henry strives to make meaningful connections, leave a positive impact, and embrace life's journey with enthusiasm and kindness.
Inawemaagan: The Experience of Being ‘Othered’ in Schools
Donovan Holmes is a two-spirit member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Spirit Lake Band of Sioux. At the age of two, Holmes was relinquished to the foster care system and eventually returned to extended family through ICWA services. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Holmes continues to work with the Native American community of the Twin Cities area. He works at the Division of Indian Work as a youth educator and cultural consultant. Previously very active in the foster advocacy scene, she currently focuses on Indigenous activism and encourages youth to do the same. He is a Dean’s list student at Augsburg University and a member of the Augsburg Family Scholars. She will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and urban studies, with a minor in American Indian studies by 2026. Holmes’s story as a Native foster youth that struggled with homelessness and transformed into success and perseverance is not uncommon, but not nearly common enough. She hopes to continue his work with the Indigenous community and the foster care system in an effort to reduce the over-representation of Indigenous youth in foster care, and healing Indigenous families.
Minnesota Lawmakers Consider New Ways to Address No-Shows at School, Diverting Families Away From CPS
Alex Perez is a Minnesota-based reporter covering child welfare. He is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a master’s degree in investigative journalism. He received a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from North Central College.
A Rare Glimpse of American Unity
Jeff Medefind is the president of CAFO, a coalition of 250+ faith-based organizations serving children and families. Jeremy Kohomban is president and CEO of The Children’s Village, a New York-based provider focused on family reunification, family support and community investment.
Teens Entering Foster Care Face High-Stress Situations
Chloe Gartner is 24 and currently resides in White Bear Lake, Minnesota with her 16-year-old cat. She entered the foster care system at age 17. After her first foster home experience, she was fortunate enough to be accepted by another foster family at the age of 18, and they remain in close contact. Since aging out, Gartner has been busy trying new things and hopes to learn more about herself and what she would like to do with her future. She is currently in school, studying business management.
What Unhealed Advocacy Looks Like
Sabrina Anderson is a native New Yorker who spent time in foster care from ages 12-17. Her advocacy efforts grew as she did, taking a look around her and realizing the immense need for change. Anderson is a public speaker, founder of a community initiative, creative, and an advocate above all.
A Bill in California Calls for Quicker Action by Caseworkers When Foster Kids Go Missing
Nancy Marie Spears works nationally covering Indigenous children and families with a focus on the Indian Child Welfare Act. She is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.
Short-Staffed New York Juvenile Facilities Place Detained Youth at Risk, State Investigation Finds
Susanti Sarkar is a New York City-based reporter covering child welfare. Adilia Watson is the New York state reporter. Jeremy Loudenback is a senior reporter for The Imprint. Michael Fitzgerald is a senior reporter for The Imprint.
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Launched in 2013, The Chronicle of Social Change is an independent, nonpartisan daily news publication dedicated to covering the child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health and educational issues faced by vulnerable children and families.
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