From December 9 - 11, 2024, Russ Lang, Jewel Harris and Lisa Dickson were at Capitol Hill as part of the 25th anniversary of the Chafee program and federal milestone discussion. Here is a link to the formal invitation and here is a link to more photos.
Attending the 25th Anniversary of the Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood and the AmeriCorps hearing has deepened my understanding of how policy and community service intersect to create meaningful opportunities for underserved populations, particularly foster youth. These events provided me with invaluable insights and reaffirmed my commitment to advocacy and civic engagement.
At the Chafee event, I gained a greater appreciation for the program’s role in shaping stable and prosperous futures for foster youth. While I entered the event with a solid understanding of Chafee services, I was struck by two key issues: Ohio’s cutoff for funding at age 21, compared to other states extending support to age 23, and the troubling underutilization of allocated funds in some states, resulting in unspent resources being returned to the federal treasury. These disparities highlighted the importance of advocating for policy changes and improving resource distribution to better serve foster youth.
The event underscored how Chafee funds do more than provide financial aid—they enable college enrollment, job training, and access to stable housing, serving as the backbone for many young people’s transition into adulthood. The conversations and testimonials I heard reinforced the critical need for programs like Chafee and inspired me to view support systems as adaptable tools that must evolve to meet the changing needs of foster youth.
Similarly, the AmeriCorps hearing shed light on the transformative power of civic engagement while also exposing the challenges of financial mismanagement within the organization. I was deeply moved by the testimony of AmeriCorps’ CEO, who highlighted how service opportunities can open doors for young people facing adversity—something I relate to personally as someone who grew up in the foster care system. His statement that AmeriCorps can be "the only door that opens when all others close" resonated deeply with me, emphasizing the profound impact these programs have on individuals and communities.
Hearing from congress members like Representatives McBeth and Wilson further highlighted the importance of balancing accountability with the ongoing support of programs that empower individuals. Their remarks reinforced the idea that civic engagement is not just about giving back—it’s also about building skills, leadership, and confidence in young people who might otherwise lack these opportunities.
These experiences have shifted my perspective on advocacy and civic participation. I now see these efforts as not only tools for community betterment but also as essential pathways for young people to break cycles of adversity and achieve long-term success. However, the need for accountability and transparency in managing public resources has become equally clear. Sustainable, efficient programs are vital to ensuring that the benefits of civic engagement are both impactful and far-reaching.
Moving forward, I am motivated to take proactive steps to advocate for policy changes, particularly extending Chafee funding eligibility in Ohio and ensuring better utilization of resources to maximize their impact. I also aim to engage more with policymakers to promote systems of accountability in social programs like AmeriCorps. My goal is to help shape policies that not only address financial transparency but also expand opportunities for foster youth and others from underserved backgrounds.
These experiences have strengthened my resolve to fight for a future where every young person, regardless of their background, has access to the tools and support they need to thrive. Advocacy and civic engagement are powerful forces for change, and I am determined to use my voice to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
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