Foster Progress in the News
Here, we bring you a curated collection of articles, podcasts, and interviews that spotlight our organization's journey, mission, and the incredible impact we are making in the lives of young adults in foster care. We invite you to explore these insightful pieces that shed light on our collaborative efforts, our remarkable students, and the transformative experiences that shape the future. Dive into our media showcase and become a part of our inspiring narrative.
At 6 Illinois College Campuses, Advocates Seek to Create ‘Comfort’ For Foster Care Peers
The article tells the story of Grace Ward, a college student who spent four years in foster care before enrolling at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Feeling alone on campus, she is now part of the Foster Progress and DCFS’s new Youth in Care - College Advocate Program (Y-CAP). This program pairs college students who have experienced foster care with peer advocates like Grace to create a support system for those who may be missing it.
Helping Foster Youth Achieve Their Education Goals
In this September 17, 2023 episode, Lynn Tonini facilitates a conversation between three individuals connected with organizations that support youth aging out of foster care by helping them reach their education goals: Elizabeth Bruchez with DPHHS (Lewistown MT), Stephen Coop with Reach Higher Montana (Helena, MT), and Kate Danielson with Foster Progress (Chicago, IL). During this conversation, we discussed what their organizations do for youth, how the Chafee program works and the funds that Chafee provides, the challenges that foster youth face in reaching their education goals, and strategies to help them overcome those hurdles.
8 Chicago-area Nonprofits to Receive $225K in NBCUniversal’s ‘Local Impact’ Grants
This article discusses how eight Chicago-area nonprofits received a total of $225,000 in grants from NBCUniversal's Local Impact Grants, including $20,000 to Foster Progress. These grants aim to support and empower organizations that are making a significant positive impact in the local community. The article highlights the various nonprofit organizations and their specific initiatives that will benefit from the funding. These grants will play a vital role in addressing pressing community needs and furthering the important work of these nonprofits in the Chicago area.
Democracy’s College
In this June 1, 2023 episode, Chequita Brown talks with Kate Danielson of the organization Foster Progress, as well as with Anna Wandtke and Tricia Wagner of Rock Valley College in Rockford, Illinois. The group discusses how to cultivate a foster-friendly culture at Illinois community colleges.
In Cook County, Black Youth Make Up 70% of the Foster Care System. Advocates Say More Support is Needed After They Age Out
Foster Progress takes the lead in discussing the challenges faced by Black youth in the foster care system in Cook County, Illinois. Advocates argue that these youth make up a significant percentage of the system and require more support. While Black youth make up 20% of the county's population, they represent approximately 70% of the children in the foster care system. Advocates are calling for systemic changes to better address the unique needs and challenges faced by these youth, including more culturally competent services and increased resources to prevent family separations. The article highlights the need for a more equitable and supportive foster care system for Black youth in Cook County.
Preparing Foster Youth for Adulting
In this May 17, 2020 episode, Lynn Tonini interviews Kate Danielson, the Executive Director of Foster Progress. Kate and Lynn talk about their mentor program designed to help youth aging out of foster care achieve their higher education goals, college road trips for youth, training they conduct for adults working with and mentoring foster youth, and how they are helping their youth they work with be able to manage during the current COVID-19 crisis.
Listen to the full podcast here!
Making a Difference by Making College Possible
In an interview with her alma mater, North Park University, Kate shares her motivation for starting Foster Progress, emphasizing how higher education changed her life and her belief that it can do the same for youth in foster care, helping them break the cycle of poverty and neglect.