February 2021 News
| Program Updates Sign-up for Updates Through Texts Project LIFE is kicking-off a new text messaging service where you can sign-up to receive PL news texted right to your phone. You’ll get the monthly newsletter and be notified of events around the state and your region. See the graphic below for how to sign-up.  Project LIFE Website Focus Group for Youth Project LIFE has started revamping our website, and we want youth input! Join us for a small focus group to share your ideas about how we can improve it. We’ll meet right before Central VA’s Youth MOVE group from 6:30-7. Register using the button below if you want to virtually join and share your thoughts! Contact Sophia Booker with questions.  Statewide Events |
| Talk it Out Tuesdays Dates: February 2 + 23, 2021 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. This month on the first and fourth Tuesday; recurring every first and third Tuesday Feeling isolated due to COVID? Need someone to connect with? Miss talking with peers? Talk it Out Tuesdays is a new series starting on the first Tuesday of January. It will be an open platform for youth to talk with other youth and trusted adults about anything on their minds. Lead by Jamesia and Melissa, you can join this social time by registering using the button below. Since this is a recurring activity, you only need to register once. If you attend again, just email Melissa or Jamesia to RSVP. You can also reach out to them with any questions.  A Week of LIFE events Dates: February 15-19, 2021 Virtual events via Ring Central Application This Valentines week, LIFE stands for “Love Is For Everyone.” Loving yourself and others can be challenging. We’re hosting a week of virtual events and activities geared towards both youth and adults. We have 5 separate events scheduled throughout the week, and they are outlined below in the graphic. However, you only need to register once to attend as many as you want. To make things even easier, there will only be one meeting link. Be on the look out for more detailed information on the website and to hit your inbox this week.  Regional Events Eastern Region Conference Planning Meeting Date: February 17, 2021 | 11:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Virtual Video Conference with the Ring Central Application It’s that time again! We are planning for our Eastern Region Spring Conference. If you have ideas, we would love for you to join us. Contact Melissa for the meeting link to attend. Eastern Region Independent Living Coordinators Committee (ILCC) Meeting Date: March 17, 2021 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Virtual Video Conference with the Ring Central Application All Eastern region DSS agencies and private providers are invited to attend to discuss independent living needs for youth in this region. Contact Melissa Lee if you plan on attending or if you need more information. Northern Region Independent Living Coordinators Committee (ILCC) Meeting Date: April 20, 2021 | 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Virtual Video Conference with the Ring Central Application All Northern region DSS agencies and private providers are invited to attend to discuss independent living needs for youth transitioning out of foster care. This meeting will cover topics related to transitioning youth into adulthood, TLPs, NYTD support, Youth-Adult Partnerships, virtual workshops and opportunities for youth and working professionals, and any other youth opportunities. Contact George Mack or 804.239.1044 if you plan on attending to get the invite link for this meeting or if you need more information. Additional Events and Resources S.L.A.M. Youth Group Date: February 2, 2021 | Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Share, Learn, Aspire, Mentor (S.L.A.M.) youth group is growing! The Tidewater regional center of UMFS has partnered with Youth MOVE VA and NAMI Coastal VA to get this group for youth ages 16-24 up and running. This group is meeting virtually for now. See the flyer here or contact Melvin Roy for more information on eligibility, registering, meetings, etc.  Digital Dating WorkshopDate: February 9, 2021 | Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Fairfax County Foster Care & Adoption in partnership with Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is hosting a virtual workshop for teens called “Digital Dating.” Access the flyer here for more information about the workshop and how to register. Youth Engagement and Enrichment Opportunities Session 101: January 31, 2021 The REO chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is also hosting a two-part series of workshops to assist high school students with the college application process (#CAP). Register for their courses, starting with 101 and work your way up to graduation! Access the flyer here for more info, or email this inbox with questions. Deadline: February 6, 2021 Students enrolled in grades 9-12 can enter the 2021 Virtual Talent Hunt, hosted by the Richmond area chapters of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Send a video submission showing off your musical skills by deadline 2/6. Visit the flyer here or email for more information. Deadline: February 9, 2021 The REO chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is hosting a series of workshops for registered participants called “Belles and Beaus Extraordinary Excellence.” Deadline to register is 2/9/21. See the flyer here or email this inbox for more information. Formed Families Forward Workshops Date: February 11, 2021 | Time: 7:00 p.m. Formed Families Forward is hosting a webinar titled “Half-way Hacks: Tools for Virtual Learning at Home.” Click here to learn more. Dates: February 22 + March 1, 2021 | Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sign up for “Building LGBTQ Awareness and Acceptance: A Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Family Sensitivity Training” by Formed Families Forward. Click here to register and learn more about the training. |
