January 2021 News
| Program Updates A Message from the Project Manager Happy New Year! As we enter the year 2021, we at Project LIFE would first like to thank everyone for your ongoing support of our program during this past year of 2020. Our Project LIFE team has stepped up in the face of adversity during a global pandemic. In light of our team’s leadership change and new members joining us to complete our team’s puzzle, we are still operating at a high level to serve all the communities in Virginia. We have some exciting and innovative events coming soon this year, such as creative and interactive virtual workshops with youth co-facilitators, bi-weekly virtual self-care sessions with our staff, live streaming social media content for youth to engage in, and most of all, our new 1(800) number texting application that youth and workers can utilize to receive all of Project LIFE’s updates straight to their mobile devices. We hope that you all continue being a part of the Project LIFE family and continue to stay safe in this new year. 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.  Simplified Registration FormWe love to receive and listen to feedback. We heard your thoughts about the event registration form, and we streamlined it for returning participants. If you or a youth you work with attended a virtual event in 2020, you will only be asked for basic information and to provide updates if there are any. We still need all information for new participants, but know that the process goes quicker for anyone that comes back for a second, third, and even tenth time. Follow us on Social Media We are working hard to get information out in various methods to connect with everyone. If you’re already on Facebook or Instagram, please take a minute and follow us. You can click on the icons below. Some posts, like photos from our events, are only posted on our social media accounts. Come check it out! Statewide Event |
| Talk it Out Tuesdays Date: Starting January 5 + 19, 2021 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. recurring every first and third Tuesday of each month 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.  Vision Board Workshop Date: January 21, 202 | 15:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. What’s your vision for 2021? Maybe you haven’t thought about it yet. We are here to help. Join Project LIFE for our annual Vision Board Workshop. Gather your old magazines, poster board, and glue, and together we’ll map out a plan visually to help you achieve your short term and long term goals for the new year. We’ll have plenty of fun and giveaways. Make sure to reserve your spot today by registering using the button below.  Save the Date: 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. Mark your calendars now, and more information will follow.  Regional Events Eastern Region Independent Living Coordinators Committee (ILCC) Meeting Date: January 13, 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. Piedmont Region Independent Living Coordinators Committee (ILCC) Meeting Dates: January 26 and 28, 2021 | 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. respectively Virtual Video Conference with the Ring Central Application All Piedmont region DSS agencies and private providers are invited to attend to discuss independent living needs for youth in this region. Please confirm which ILCC meeting you will be attending to Jamesia Harrison by January 22, 2021. Northern Region Independent Living Coordinators Committee (ILCC) Meeting Date: January 26, 2021 | 1 p.m. – 2:00 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. Central Region Independent Living Coordinators Committee (ILCC) Meeting Date: January 26, 2021 | time TBD Virtual Video Conference with the Ring Central Application All Central region DSS agencies and private providers are invited to attend to discuss independent living needs for youth in this region. Contact Pierre Hall if you plan on attending or if you need more information. Additional Events and Resources Ready to Sponsor a 2021 All-Star? Deadline: January 15, 2021 Now in it’s 16th year, FosterClub’s All-Star internship program is a competency-based program that focuses on the personal and professional development of interns from across the U.S. All interns experienced out-of-home care including foster care, kinship, juvenile justice, congregate care, and/or residential treatment. All-Stars receive extensive training, support, and coaching to directly support their peers and change the child welfare system. Each year, the momentum gained by the FosterClub All-Stars demonstrates the power of youth voice and is a testimony to the strength and resilience of young people in foster care. For more information about sponsoring an All-Star position for a youth, please contact Erich N. Pitcher, PhD at 503-717-1552 x110 or email at erich@fosterclub.com |
