By: Tatum Abel, Peer Engagement Coordinator The foster care system is designed to protect children in vulnerable situations, offering them a haven when their biological families cannot safely provide care. However, data compiled by Kentucky Youth Advocates persistently shows that Black children are being removed from their homes more than [...]
By: Tatum Heath, Peer Engagement Coordinator As an advocate for youth’s rights and peer support for lived experts, I had the privilege of attending Children’s Advocacy Day in Frankfort, Kentucky, for the second time. Each year, the event provides a vital opportunity for individuals—especially those directly involved with children, families, [...]
By: Crystal Willis, Youth Engagement Program Manager From panels and retreats to trips to Kentucky Kingdom, 2024 has been a memorable year for True Up! We made impactful strides, not just in advocacy, but in building a more intentional and supportive peer network. By weaving in structural changes, we’ve been [...]
By: Crystal Willis Since 2011, True Up has been a beacon of support for young people in foster care across Kentucky. With a mission to help these youth transition from structured environments to self-sufficiency, True Up stands on several crucial pillars that guide its work and impact. Here's a closer [...]
By: Tatum Heath Growing up, my childhood was marked by experiences that left deep scars—neglect, instability, and abuse. These early adversities shaped my worldview and, at times, left me feeling like I was hopeless and stranded. But as I reflect on my journey, I’ve learned that there are ways to [...]
LOUISVILLE, KY – Everyone needs a safe, stable place to call home. However, a short supply of housing has made this increasingly difficult for Kentucky’s young people. The Fostering Connections: The Housing Landscape for Foster Care Alumni and Recommendations report, released today by Kentucky Youth Advocates, sheds light on the critical housing needs [...]
By Cynthia Schepers The Loneliness Epidemic Loneliness is an epidemic we all face – especially now that we have the technology to ensure we don’t have to go outside or interact with others. Even inventions such as the ATM have helped us have a way to avoid interactions with strangers. [...]
By Tatum Heath Foster care systems are intended to provide safety and support for children and adolescents who cannot live with their biological families. However, for LGBTQ+ youth, this journey through foster care can often be fraught with unique challenges and hurdles. In this blog, we explore the experiences faced [...]
Since 2011, True Up has been an initiative founded on empowering young people in foster care to gain the critical life skills they need to successfully transition from a structured environment to self-sufficiency in our communities. True Up is a caring family of foster care alumni who have faced [...]
By Tatum Heath, Peer Coach As a former foster youth and a Peer Coach for foster youth and alumni, I think that Children’s Advocacy Week was so beneficial for the young adults because it has really lit a fire in the youth. It has driven them to become more involved [...]
