October 2021 News
Statewide Conference
2021 Fall Conference – Register now!
Dates: November 2- November 4, 2021 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. via Ring Central
Are you bored in the house and in the house bored? You need our “Floor Plan of LIFE.” Register to join us for 3 nights of virtual fun, like only the Project LIFE team can bring. Some new faces and some of your favorite facilitators are coming back to join us as we make our way through our floor plan. Along with some awesome sessions, like cooking, boundaries, and advocacy, youth will have the opportunity to play games and to win raffle prizes throughout the conference. This conference will even feature a whole workshop chosen by youth! As usual, all attendees will receive a e-gift card and gifts in the mail after the conference. We cannot wait to see you there! Registration is open now and will close on October 22 at 5:00 pm. To register and for more info, head to our website using the button below. Contact Kelly with questions.
Our promo video drops today! Don’t be bored in the house like us…come to the conference!
Program Updates
Recaps on Events for Professionals
September was a busy month for Project LIFE and the professionals that we work with!
On September 15, 2021, Chloe Jackson and Arlene Miller of The Center for Sexual Assault Survivors out of Newport News, presented at the Eastern Region’s ILCC meeting. They provided the participants with tips, strategies, and resources to support youth who have experienced sexual trauma. The Center provides an array of services that you can check out on their website: https://visitthecenter.org/home
On September 22, over 50 professionals attended the training led by Ruth White from the National Center for Housing and Child Welfare on the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative through HUD. Missed it or need a refresher? Ruth graciously shared her presentation and some resources with us, and it is available on our website’s housing page.
Stay tuned for more trainings for professionals. Looking for a training on a particular topic? Let us know!
Upcoming Statewide Events
Talk it Out Tuesdays
Dates: October 5 + 19, 2021 | Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. via Ring Central
Feeling isolated due to COVID? Need someone to connect with? Miss talking with peers? Talk it Out Tuesdays is an open platform for youth to talk with other youth and trusted adults about anything on their minds. Hosted by Jamesia and Melissa, you can join in this social session by registering with the button below.
Election 2021: Accessing your Power to Vote
Date: October 7, 2021 | Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. via Ring Central
Join Project LIFE for a virtual and nonpartisan workshop on October 7th from 5pm – 6pm to learn about accessing your power to vote! This workshop will be facilitated by the New Virginia Majority group. The presenter will share information on important registration deadlines, how to register to vote, ways to vote, new voting laws and their impact. Youth interested in registering to vote can do so at that event as long as they have a state issued ID. Register below and contact Melissa with questions.
Fall Conference Planning 2021: Youth Choice Listening Session
Date: October 7, 2021 | Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. via Ring Central
Youth, it’s time to use your voice and to help plan the best conference yet. Have a workshop idea in mind? Come join us to give your input and to help select a workshop that we’ll have at the conference! Register using the button below. See you there!
Upcoming Regional Events
Piedmont Region’s Independent Living Coordinators Committee (ILCC)
Date: October 7, 2021 | Time: 2:30 p.m. via Ring Central
All Piedmont region DSS agencies and private providers are invited to attend to discuss independent living needs for youth in this region. Along with the normal business, come learn about our new partnership with Liberty University and what opportunities this partnership provides for IL youth. Plus, there will be a free cup of coffee for those who attend. Click here to attend. Contact Jamesia with questions.
Central Region Independent Living Advocates for Youth (CRILAY) Meeting
Date: October 19, 2021 | Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. via Ring Central
All Central 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 also feature a presentation by VDSS on the Youth Welfare Approach (YWA). Contact George Mack through email or at 804.239.1044 if you plan on attending to get the link for this meeting, or if you need more information.
Piedmont Region’s “Count your Coin” Session for youth
Date: October 20, 2021 | Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. via Ring Central
October is National Financial Planning month. (October is also National Pizza month.) Youth are invited to attend this session and will dive deep into financial planning for their future. The session will include creating and understanding budgets, discussing why early investment is important, and learning how to start investing early. All youth who register and attend will receive a $10 e-gift card to Papa Johns. Register using the button below. Contact Jamesia if you need more information or have questions.
Northern Region Independent Living Coordinators Committee (ILCC) Meeting
Date: October 26, 2021 | Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. via Ring Central
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 in the region.Contact George Mack through email or at 804.239.1044 if you plan on attending to get the link for this meeting, or if you need more information.
Additional Events and Resources
Virtual Foster Care Roundtable Discussion
Date: October 7, 2021 | Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. via ZOOM
On Monday, October 4th from 4 to 6 pm, VCU and Voices for Virginia’s Children will be co-hosting a virtual roundtable for youth and young adults with foster care experience to talk about what our state needs to do to better prepare young people for employment and meaningful careers. Young people are encouraged to attend and register here.
A Night at Haunted Hunt Club Farm
Date: October 17, 2021 | Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Connect With A Wish presents a spooky opportunity for eligible youth! This event at the Hunt Club Farm is open to foster youth in the Hampton Roads areas, ages 14 and up. If that’s you or a youth you work with, you can RSVP to connectwithawish3@gmail.com or 757-337-2657 by October 12 for a hauntingly-good time! Visit www.connectwithawish.org for more information.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Young Adults Program
The Northern Virginia WIOA Young Adults program offers career and leadership development and educational support. This includes training opportunities, work experiences, and internships for young adults ages 17-24. Educational services include college and vocational school exploration, SAT and GED prep, and tutorial assistance. Virtual services are available. For more information, visit www.vcwnorthern.com and click on “young adults.”
