OrphanWise launches youth advocate mentoring program in Bradley County to support foster care families

The Resilient Tennessee Collaborative Meeting held in August 2023 focused on enhancing support systems for youth in foster care and the juvenile justice system. Key discussions centered around the initiatives led by OrphanWise, an organization serving Bradley and Polk Counties, which aims to develop a youth advocate mentoring program. This program will assist families and children navigating the complexities of foster care and court processes.

Participants emphasized the importance of creating "nurture kits," portable resources that advocates can easily transport to provide tangible support to families. The goal is to ensure that advocates have accessible tools to aid in their work, drawing from experiences shared by professionals in the field.

The meeting also highlighted the ongoing support provided to champion organizations within the collaborative. This includes coaching and training to help these organizations grow and effectively lead their communities. The collaborative aims to share resources and knowledge to strengthen the capacity of smaller organizations that may lack the infrastructure to implement comprehensive support systems.

In addition to these initiatives, the meeting underscored the value of community engagement through various platforms, including social media and podcasts, to raise awareness and provide educational resources related to trauma-informed care.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting reflect a commitment to building a robust support network for vulnerable youth in Tennessee, with a focus on collaboration, resource sharing, and community involvement.