Category: Uncategorized

AmeriCorp Positions Available

New AmeriCorps Opportunity for September 2010!

Maryland CASA Association needs you! They are looking for individuals to serve in their MD CASA-AmeriCorps program to assist in their efforts to ensure that every abused and neglected child in the state has a safe and permanent home. Through the MD CASA-AmeriCorps program, you will be able to expand their community outreach, increase their public awareness efforts and help expand their existing programs to serve more children in need.

During the twelve month service period, from September 2010 to September 2011, the MD CASA-AmeriCorps members will primarily be responsible for recruiting and training new CASA volunteers, planning public awareness and community outreach events, assisting with volunteer training, case management and other responsibilities. Members will participate in professional development activities prior to and throughout the service period. AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance throughout the service period and receive an educational award upon completion of the service year. Full-time members are also eligible for health insurance.

Maryland CASA Association (MDCASAA) is the state organization for Maryland ’s fifteen Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs, which recruit and train volunteers to serve as advocates for children who are under the court’s protection due to abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of the court, gathering information from the child and those involved in the child’s life, and making recommendations to the court based on the child’s best interest.

So take advantage of this rewarding experience to be part of a team dedicated to serving our state’s most vulnerable children. With your help, we can make sure that every child in need has a powerful voice speaking up for their best interests. To apply, download the Member Application from http://www.marylandcasa.org/AmeriCorps.aspx and return it to MD CASA’s office. For more information about the MD CASA-AmeriCorps program, please contact Farajii Muhammad at [email protected] or call 1-888-833-2272.

Educational Opportunity for Current and Former Foster Youth

Educational Scholarships offered by the University of Phoenix

In partnership with the National Foster Parent Association, the University of Phoenix has offered 50 full-ride scholarships to foster youth, foster care alumni or foster parents, under the banner of the University’s First Chance Scholarship program. The scholarship is redeemable at any University of Phoenix campus, including the online program. Foster Care Alumni of America has just agreed to partner with NFPA to promote the scholarships to the alumni community and to assist in the selection of 25 alumni scholarship recipients.

The program is offered on a competitive basis. To access the guidelines and application click here, or visit the NFPA website at www.npaonline.org.

Time is of the essence! The deadline for applying is July 18, 2010.

Whether you are a first-time college student, someone working to complete their undergraduate or advanced degree, or an established professional looking to re-train in a new field, take a look at this opportunity or pass it on to someone you know could benefit.

Sincerely,
Foster Care Alumni of America
www.fostercarealumni.org

Holiday Ice Skating Fundraiser

http://coloradospringsrealestateconnection.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/490/files/2008/12/Ice%20Skates.jpg
The Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center and FCAA, Maryland will be hosting a

Holiday Ice Skating Fundraiser

December 19, 2009
from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
at The Gardens Ice House
13800 Old Gunpowder Road
Laurel, MD 20707

Join us for ice skating, music and Christmas tree and stocking decorating!

Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $10 for foster youth & children under age 12. Ticket prices include skates, a cup of hot chocolate and a slice of pizza.

Click to Buy Your
Adult or Youth
Ticket Now!

*****Due to the request of our generous supporters!******
We have been asked to provide a link to make it possible for you to sponsor more children to enable them to have a wonderful experience at the Holiday Ice Skating Fundraiser.

CLICK HERE to make your kindhearted contribution or mail to 2701 N. Charles St., Suite 401, Baltimore, MD 21218. Thank you again for your continued support!
*************************************************
Funds raised will support MFYRC and FCAA, Maryland programs.

To RSVP email Claire Linville at [email protected] or call 410-889-7474.
MFYRCMD Chapter

House of New Beginnings, Inc. Budgeting Workshop

Are you having trouble with figuring out what type of career you want to go into? Are you looking for an intern position to boost up your resume? Would you like to learn more about how to budget your finances?

Then register TODAY for our Career and Financial Literacy Day Workshop hosted by House of New Beginnings, Inc.

Saturday, November 14th, 2009
Time: 10-5:30pm

You have the option to choose between 3 time slots: 10-12noon, 12:30-2:30pm, 3:30-5:30pm

In each time slot there is only room for 8 particpants so GET REGISTERED TODAY.

    Workshop Topics:


Mapping your Career Path
Budgeting 101

If you fall between the age group of 16-25 we can help you map out a career plan and teach you the basics of budgeting your money.

Please call 443-226-7111 to register or e-mail [email protected] to get registered. We look forward to working with each of you.

Baltimore City DSS Skills Trade Employment Program

BCDSS’s skill trades employment program (Greenmount West) is hiring the next group of young people. We are looking for youth in foster care (18 and older) who are interested in learning the construction trade. Youth who are already 20 years old must not be turning 21 until February 2010.

In order to provide intensive, high quality instruction and allow each trainee to learn and master critical skills, each class will be limited to a maximum of 8 or 9 trainees. Each class will work directly with the project director, a technical instructor, and part-time consultants in addition to receiving instruction from visiting professionals and trainers. Trainees will also be working with a BCDSS case manager, Eric Wilson, specifically assigned to the project.

The training lasts approx. 90 days.
Trainees will work 4 days a week, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and earn a stipend of $8.00 an hour. The job includes classroom seminars, on-the-job training, hands-on machine shop training and production, and occasional field trips. The program will have a van to transport trainees.

All interested youth (and their workers) should attend one of two informational sessions:

Date: Friday, September 18, 2009
Time: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Room 117 at 3031 E. Biddle

OR
Date: Monday, September 21, 20009
Time: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Room 117 at 3031 E. Biddle

If the youth is unable to make either session, please call Jessica Rae at 443-423-5050 to schedule a make-up session.

After the informational session, youth who are interested in applying for a position can fill out an application. Applicants who best meet the program’s criteria will be invited to come in for an interview.

If you have a youth who may be interested, please email Jessica Rae at [email protected]
and include:

The youth’s name and DOB
The caseworker’s name and telephone number and which informational session the youth will be attending.

W.H.A.L.E.R.’s Creation Youth Talent Search

Darryl "DMC" McDaniels from the legendary hip hop group RunDMC

YOUTH TALENT SEARCH
WHALER’s Creation Annual Foster Care/Adoption Rally plus Talent Search

    Washington Monument – Sylvan Stage, 15th Street, NW (The nearest metro stop is the Smithsonian)
    Saturday, November 7, 2009 9:00AM-1:00pm
    Registration is $25.00

WE ARE LOOKING FOR THE BEST: Singers, Dancers, Actors and Models!!
First, Second, and Third place winners will be selected!

*Studio Demo *Interview with Just Like Me, and an opportunity to open for DMC at a Foster Care/Adoption Benefit concert later Saturday night! (location TBA)
For more information:Call (301) 877-7622 or visit us at: www. whalers-creation.us

Foster Care and Adoption Legislation

Click the links listed below and feel free to give us your opinion on the current proposed legislation.

HB580:Foster Kids Coverage Act: Extending Medicaid Coverage to foster youth exiting care after 18 but before 21 years old.

S.986 Foster Care Mentoring Act of 2009: A bill to support the establishment or expansion and operation of programs using a network of public and private community entities to provide mentoring for children in foster care.

Maryland 2009 Current Foster Care Legislation

Federal Laws Related to Foster Care and Adoption

MFYRC In The News

Executive Director of MFYRC, Shalita O’Neale, to Speak at Voices for Children’s Annual Hearts for Children Luncheon and Silent Auction on May 8th

Refined Concepts Thanks New Client, MFYRC

“It’s time for us to find hope”, The Buzz: Maryland Public Television from the Inside Out, features a comment from MFYRC’s Founder

Shalita O’Neale honored at First Star Fundraising Dinner

Classifieds (Housing/Transportation)

    HOUSING

Your agency can provide help with housing BEFORE you turn 21. However, there are requirements (behavior, enrollment in school, employment etc.) that you have to meet before you are considered eligible. You must EARN this help. It will not be GIVEN to you. Check with your social worker for more information regarding help with the following:

*First month’s rent (if the lease is in your name)
*Furniture (anything from a mattress to a full bedroom set)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

* St. Ambrose Homesharing: A homeowner offers accommodation to a homesharer in exchange for an agreed level of support in the form of financial exchange, assistance with household tasks, or both. Homesharing is an act of generosity and sometimes of necessity. For more information visit: http://www.stambros.org/pages/share.html

*Maryland Housing Authorities:

Baltimore Housing Authority waiting lists are closed, but look at their website for any additional assistance you may be eligible for. MFYRC is working to establish a dialogue with the housing authorities in Maryland to ensure former foster youth are given priority on the lists especially in regard to the new FUP Vouchers.
Baltimore Housing Authority Website

*Transitional Housing Supports
Website
240-645-8181

*Classified Section in any local newspaper

*[email protected]
410-493-6830

*Edmondson Village
Rent $90 – $140 per week
incl. utilities and cable TV
Call Chris 301-518-3301

*2305 Eutaw Street – Baltimore City
email Craig at [email protected]

*www.bridgeportpropertiesinc.com
[email protected] or [email protected]
410-961-4637

ROOMS FOR RENT (As of 10/5/09):

-Share with responsiblie homeowners (Baltimore City/County). $450/month avg. Non-profit St. Ambrose – 410-366-6180.

-Fully Furnished(Baltimore City): Very clean rooms. All Utils Incld. Cabel, Internet, phone. Shared Kitchen and bathroom. $480/month. John 240-441-3251.

-Furnished Roms (Downtown – 21201): Close to light rail, Subway, Bus Line. $350, $125/wk. Men Only. Ref and Deposit Req. 410-243-5105.

-Furnished Private Room (East Baltimore): Share the common areas of this new home with 2 other individuals. All utilities included. Cable, Internet, home phone, ceiling fans, fenced yard. $150/wk. 301-814-2677.

-Federal Hill/Fells Pt: Utils Inc., Fee req. Single occupancy only. $400-$450/mo 1888-506-2624.

-Harlem Pk/North Ave/Eastside/Resis. Rd. $110-$160/wk. Furnished, Cable, Utils Included. Antonio 443-400-8675.
-Liberty Heights-21216/Southwest Baltimore-21223: Drug free, safe, clean. Inclds all utils and cable. $135/wk and sd. Pay stubs required. 443-226-4323.

    TRANSPORTATION

Your agency can help with a down payment for a car BEFORE you turn 21. Check with your social worker for more information.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

*Local Newspaper Classifieds

*Get to know public transportation!
Knowing how to get around on public transportation is key! If you don’t know which buses/trains run where, call Maryland MTA at the number listed below and a live person will help you get that information.
http://www.mtamaryland.com/
410-539-5000

*Police Auctions:
Every month across the United States, thousands of vehicles are seized by different Government agencies (IRS, DEA, FBI) & Police departments and auctioned off to the public. Due to certain laws these vehicles are listed and sold at up to 95% OFF their original value. Many auctions start at $100. Government pre-owned/surplus vehicles are well maintained and are usually only 2-3 yrs old.
http://www.gov-auctions.org/

LGBT Issues


Click links below:
Basic Facts about being LGBTQ
LGBTQ Youth Risk Data
LGBTQ Youth Resources
Working with Homeless LGBTQ Youth
Working with Transgender Youth
Foster Parents Caring for LGBTQ Youth
Congregate Care Providers Working with LGBTQ Youth
Challenges Faced by Homeless Sexual Minorities
Caseworkers with LGBTQ Clients
Attorneys, Guardians ad litem and Advocates Representing LGBTQ Youth
Other LGBT Links/Resources