Advocacy

While our educators, social workers, and therapists help their clients confront the immediate challenges before them, St. Aemilian-Lakeside is committed to going further, addressing the root causes of the problems our clients face. In addition to being advocates in the community, St. Aemilian-Lakeside staff and board members meet regularly with local and statewide officials to share the special needs of the children, adults and families they work with.

Supporting the Needs of Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
As youth transition from the foster care system to independence they need support in key areas to becomes successful young adults. St. Aemilian-Lakeside advocates that housing, healthcare, continuing education, and supportive relationships are critical aspects of a successful transition from foster care.

Community members can play an important role in supporting these youth through the creation of volunteer and internship opportunities that build vocational interests and skills, through the creation of jobs that provide sustaining wages for young adults, through advocacy to legislators that encourages the extension of healthcare coverage to former foster youth ages 18-21, by offering a scholarhip for continuing education or by becoming a supportive mentor to a young person transitioning from foster care.

St. Aemilian-Lakeside's Advocacy Committee is involved in creating dialogue with community leaders and elected officials around the needs of youth as they age out of foster care.

Join us in making our leaders aware of the needs of these youth and the benefits of helping them navigate a successful transition to adulthood.