Young leaders from foster care
Attendees for White House Event Dec 8
Dani Townsend, age 21
Illinois
Dani currently attends Danville Community College, studying social work and
psychology. Eventually, she plans to pursue a masters and PhD for a career in the
child welfare system. Dani entered foster care at birth and experienced 9
placements. She eventually was reunified but unfortunately, Dani entered foster
care a second time at age 15 due to abuse from her mother. Luckily, her paternal
aunt became her foster mother as Dani aged out just this year. Dani has served as
vice president of her local youth advisory board in Illinois and is an active
community partner on multiple projects to improve child welfare in Illinois. Dani
was also chosen to be a part of 2014 Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day.
Alex McFarland, age 24
Ohio
Alex entered foster care at 14 and spent the next five years in multiple
placements including kinship, residential treatment, and transitional housing
until he aged out at 18. Alex served as president of the Ohio State Youth Advisory
Board and served as legislative liaison for Ohio’s chapter of Foster Care Alumni of
America. Alex serves as a member of the National Foster Care Youth and Alumni
Policy Council, a group that provides recommendations to the federal
Administration for Children and Families. He now works on federal policy and
special programs at FosterClub’s headquarters in Seaside, Oregon. Alex
graduated with honors for his published research on orangutan behavior from
Miami University with a bachelor’s degree in biological anthropology and zoology
and is anticipating entry into veterinary school to work on conservation and
global health initiatives.
Dustin Haley, age 24
Texas
Currently in his 2nd year of grad School at UT Southwestern in Dallas, working on
his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He completed his undergraduate studies at UT
Austin, majoring in exercise science, with minors in business, biology and
government and hopes to work in a neurological rehabilitation hospital. Dustin
entered care with his sisters when he was 8, and stayed until he graduated high
school. Dustin experienced 13 homes and 10 different schools. He was placed in
both Texas and Nebraska’s foster care system, unfortunately separating him from
his sisters. Dustin’s last 3 years in care was in a group home, which had more
rules and regulations than a foster home. Dustin is passionate about mentoring
and believes a relationship with a supportive trusting adult was critical to his
success.
Eliza Coones, age 20
Utah
Eliza is 20 years old and just recently finished her masters degree from Arizona
State University in criminal justice. She hopes to eventually go into federal law
enforcement or a local SWAT team. Eliza was placed into foster care with her
little brother when she was 16 due to abuse in the home. They shared a foster
home for six months while the court decided if reunification was possible. Despite
her expressing her concerns to be placed with her brother she was placed into
long term foster care and separated from him. Overall, Eliza is grateful for the
state's involvement in her family, and she believes it was the best thing to happen
for her and her brother.
Sabrina Holland-Baker, age 20
Oregon
Sabrina is attending Clatsop Community College, studying to transfer to Western
Oregon University, where she plans to study anthropology with a minor in
Spanish. Sabrina has career aspirations to become an archaeologist and
experience travel. Sabrina entered care at the age of ten, and had nine
placements including congregate care. At the age of 13, she was faced with a
choice to be separated from her siblings in order to make a better life for all of
them. Sabrina was fortunate to have the choice to age out while remaining in a
positive foster home placement through Oregon’s extended care program. She is
currently involved with Oregon Foster Youth Connection, Oregon’s youth
advisory board and hopes to strengthen the voices of youth underrepresented in
her region.
Dameika Merriwether, age 19
Michigan
Dameika is a sophomore at Western Michigan University studying Criminal
Justice Major; minoring in Social Work and Human Communication Disorders. In
the future, she plans to work with teens and children in the foster care system.
Dameika entered care at 13; she is still in extended foster care. She has three
siblings, and was separated from two of them, but is now reunited. She struggled
with foster parents who didn't fulfill their responsibilities in caring for her, but
found a long-term mentor in her independent living program who is a source of
encouragement and support. Damieka has served as her Youth Board's VicePresident for the last year, as a speaker at events including Ingham County
Women's Commission, Women's Opportunity House, Child Welfare Training
Institute, a focus group hosted by Wayne State University, and the annual Mental
Health Breakfast. She has also presented at the National Independent Living
Association’s annual conference.
ABOUT FOSTERCLUB: FosterClub is the national network for young people currently in, or who have
experienced, the foster care system. We believe that every young person in foster care deserves to be connected,
informed, inspired and represented. FosterClub’s website, publications, events and annual All-Star internship
program offer the tools and resources foster youth need to connect with one another, to share their experiences
and insights, and to achieve personal success. For more information, please visit www.fosterclub.org