Building a world class foster care system while serving our neighborhood youth

July 2005 Foster Care and Homeless Youth Speak out Across the Nation Volume V,,, Issue 7 Visit us online at www.mockingbirdsociety.org or call 206-323-5437 (KIDS)

III N THIS ISSUE Mockingbird’s Foster Care Model Set for Replication with each home serving one to four youth, and respite care and opportunities for allowing up to 40 youth to be supported in the involvement with the rest of the constellation Letter to the Editor same “constellation” or “ community. Page 2 MISTY LOU network. In the middle of So, even if your sister Every effort is COOK this neighborhood Shaunalee doesnít live with made to place siblings network is a Hub Home your foster family, if she lives with or near each other that is operated by in the Constellation Project, and keep families Passages 2005 licensed foster parents. together through the THE MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY MODEL, The Hub Home she does live down the street Mockingbird Family Celebrates New formerly known as The Mockingbird Foster coordinates special or next door to you.” Model. Through the Beginnings Family Constellation Project (MFFCP), has events and activities for Constellation Network, Jamica Henderson recently been blessed with the great fortune the youth and parents so that the constellation a child can still be connected with their siblings, Page 2 of receiving a very significant donation. Thanks can become a strong and interconnected cousins and extended family even if they don’t to the generosity and commitment of an community. The Hub Home also acts as an share the same household! So, even if your individual who wishes to remain anonymous, emotional resource to both foster youth and sister Shaunalee doesn’t live with your foster we are replicating the Mockingbird Family foster parents in the constellation. One of the family, if she lives in the Constellation Project, Model in 2006 and distributing this new and she does live down the street or next door to Billie Holiday's Life Billie Holiday's Life evolutionary foster care model throughout The Mockingbird you. That is what the Constellation Project is Still Inspires Today King County in five different sites. The all about: building community and strong Franisa Johnson Mockingbird Times is excited about this great Family Model families. The Mockingbird Family Model does Page 3 opportunity. We are proud of Jim for doing its best to connect foster children with families work on behalf of children and families in the that are culturally relevant and support the foster care system and for having dreamed people who support these children. The and implemented this extraordinary foster philosophy of the Mockingbird Family Model care model. is that foster youth who grow up around siblings Farewell Mockingbird The Mockingbird Family Model is based or extended family are far more likely to feel Jasmine Caldwell upon the philosophy that “unconditional and safe, secure and happy about their Page 3 community based care” will lead to fewer placements. These positive feelings allow the foster care placements. The main goal of the individuals to survive and thrive in a lively and Mockingbird Family Model is to “implement a connected community. foster care service delivery model that is The outcomes of the Mockingbird Family practical, replicable and increases stability for Mockingbird Models have spoken for themselves, and they children, youth and caregivers.” In other have spoken loud and proud. An evaluation of Graduates Fly High words, the key goals of the Mockingbird Family the Mockingbird Family Models was conducted Jamica Henderson, Jasmine Model are to decrease the amount of times a by the Northwest Children’s Institute of the Caldwell and Ashley Grant child in the foster care system has to be moved University of Washington and had excellent Page 3 and placed with a new family and increase the results! Results came out on December 31, likelihood of this child staying with a loving, main reasons for having a Hub Home is to 2004, stating that the project was a complete caring, nurturing and healthy family. reduce the feeling of isolation so commonly success! The Children’s Institute, with its The Mockingbird Family Model gathers felt by foster families by giving them consistent four to ten foster families in a neighborhood, CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 Runaway's Reality support, access to various resources, planned Raquel Granath Individual Development Accounts for Foster Youth Page 4 this population. According to HB 1408 “foster piece because it is the foundation that must be youth” means a person who is fifteen years of in place before a person can achieve other age, but not more than twenty-three years of things with their life. Often Medicaid coverage COURTNEY Summer Events in age, who was a dependent of the Department is lost as foster youth age out of the system KONIETZKO of Social and Health Services for at least and health care options are limited or non- Seattle twenty-four months after attaining thirteen existent. HB 1408 will hopefully help foster youth Courtney Konietzko years of age. become healthy so they can accomplish goals. Page 4 The IDA account is an especially important Some important things to know about IDA THE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT tool for foster youth who do not qualify for ETV accounts for foster youth: ACCOUNT (IDA) PROGRAM is a matching or Chaffee dollars. The foster youth have • There is no income cap on what foster funds program through United Way, similar to unmet needs like the money needed for the youth can make to be eligible for the IDA Creative Corner::: a savings account. The difference is the state move in fee on their first apartment and first dollars; there is an income cap for adults. matches the funds put in by the individual for month’s rent. IDA money can cover this need. • A person with an IDA account can make a Message to the goals like owning a home, furthering your This is not true for adult IDA accounts. There partial withdrawal for an allowable use but Youth education, and starting a business. An are differences between how IDA funds can United Way has to approve it first which can Raquel Granath individual with low-income has a greater be used for adults and what they can cover for take up to 6 months; there is a small clause Page 4 chance of reaching their goals faster with this foster youth. For adults money can be used Page 4 where foster youth can pull the money out for program. for furthering education, starting a business, emergencies like a medical situation or The IDA program is open to all people with and/or owning a home. For foster youth money Creative Corner::: eviction. low-income regardless of age but the program can be used for these things, moving into your Calling out the Ages was going to end in July and there would be no first apartment, warding off an eviction, • People can work towards accomplishing Courtney Konietzko more matching funds. Fortunately, there has healthcare, and pre-assets like a computer or their assets if their pre-assets are met. Page 4 been legislation introduced to keep this a vehicle. Pre-assets are things that make • One requirement of getting an IDA is important program alive. accomplishing assets possible. An example of going through a financial education class – the Check out Our Exciting Creative Corner::: We House bill (HB) 1408 was introduced which this would be: a person needs to make more Fremont Public Association offers an excellent Bonus Articles Section Are Not Druggies means that the IDA program is still going to money in order to become a home owner, but one. Their number is (206) 694-6864. receive fundsOnline and at will be able to help people in order to take a higher paying job for the Sarah McCurry In order for the IDA account program to with low-incomemockingbirdsociety.org reach their goals. Also there house payment, they need reliable Page 4 be a success, it is important for agencies who is a new piece written into HB 1408 which transportation instead of 4 hours on the bus serve foster youth to work together. focuses on foster youth and needs specific to each day. Healthcare is an especially important Page 2 Mockingbird Times, July 2005 Letter from the Editor Passages 2005 Celebrates Mockingbird Society is proud to family model is one that is familiar to announce that a private philanthropist many racial, ethnic and religious cultures has made a substantial donation to including working class families who have New Beginnings facilitate the replication of the survived and thrived over time because enough to start off with. Once you finish Mockingbird Family Model (MFM) of the inherent strengths, resources and there all you’ll need is a television, (formally the Mockingbird Foster Family commitment contained within the family. JAMICA mattress and what ever else you want to Constellation Project). While we continue The first 18 months of the UJIMA model get. When you’re starting out, it’s hard to operate the original model in continue to demonstrate excellent results, HENDERSON when you have to get everything on your partnership with UJIMA Community including stabilizing and reducing the own. So this event is a big help to those Services we will expand into five new sites number of “placements” (homes) that who are aging out. within the Seattle/King County area. The children experience, allowing siblings to JUNE 2, 2005 WAS A DAY OF Before this day came, our case University of Washington’s Northwest remain together and providing safe and CELEBRATION for teens who aged out workers informed us to go to Institute for Children and Families will accessible respite. I’d like to also offer a of the foster care system. The Passages Amazon.com’s website and make a wish continue to conduct the evaluation of the very special “thank you” to the family who 2005 celebration was sponsored by DSHS, list of up to $150.00. We had to rate project. The plan is to replicate the project has made this remarkable opportunity Casey Family Programs, Treehouse, the everything on our list according to how with a combination of private child placing possible through their generous support. YMCA, and badly we agencies that provide foster care services I also want to give a special “thank you” Mockingbird wanted it. So I as well as within Washington’s public child to Misty Cook for writing such a wonderful Society. It was chose things welfare system. The Mockingbird Family article on the MFM (see page 1). With held at the 2100 like a clothes Model is based in the philosophy of your support the Mockingbird Society Building from hamper, a unconditional and community based care, continues to strive toward “building a 4:00 – 6:00 PM. clothes rack to normalization and providing caregivers world class foster care system while serving On this day the hang things up, with the support they need in order to give our neighborhood youth.” Finally, a teens who are a mini DVD the best care to the children and youth in heartfelt “thank you and good-bye” to aging out of the player, their homes. Frequently, the social Franisa Johnson and Jasmine Caldwell. system were another piece services industry follows the example of They did an excellent job as Youth able to attend a to put clothes the medical field in terms of identifying a Reporters and we all wish them well and resource fair, in, and a CD problem or disease and then creating a remind them to come and visit. get photos player. Out of theory to cure that particular disease. taken with all those When creating the MFM I tried to avoid friends and things, I got the pathology based approach and Jim Theofelis families, enjoy both of the instead focused on the natural systems a big barbecue Jamica Henderson and volunteer Sam Ballmer clothing that human beings have relied on over [email protected] dinner, and products and the course of time. The most obvious is receive household items for their next the mini DVD player. I was excited and in the family system and in particular the step in life. shock again because this is it. I am about extended family system. The extended I, Jamica Henderson, was a part of to be out on my own. I still remember this event. It really opened my eyes to when I was just starting kindergarten now show me that I am about to be an adult. I am about to move out on my own. This At the event we got to pick things like is scary but then again exciting. I am dishes, pots and pans, towels, pillows, excited that this time has arrived now I Letter to the Editor accessories for the house and more from am about to go to college and start my Dear Editor, The story will also air on KONG TV and the Treehouse Wearhouse. It’s more than career in nursing. UPN. My name is Zachary Prillhart. Darius Mockingbird Society: The Story Behind the Name Reynolds, a Mockingbird Times reporter/ I want to thank Mockingbird Times The 1962 American classic To Kill A their hearts out for us.” What if we writer, wrote an article on me starting an for writing and publishing my story. Also, Mockingbird by Harper Lee is the created an organization, a community, open gym in the U-District. I wanted to let me say that people do read your paper inspiration for our name, Mockingbird indeed a world in which our most say that since his article was published, and keep up the good work. Society. Atticus, the widowed father of vulnerable children and youth were KING 5 News read the story and decided Jem and Scout, joins Miss Maudie in protected and valued with the same to cover the story on TV news. The TV Sincerely, teaching his kids that it’s a sin to kill a commitment that Atticus had for news segment will air on KING 5 News mockingbird because “…Mockingbirds mockingbirds? Join the Mockingbird sometime within the next week at 5:45pm. Zachary Prillhart don’t do one thing but make music for us Society today and help us give young to enjoy. They don’t do one thing but sing people a safe place to nest and sing. Virginia R. Blayney, Kathryn Brooks, Sherri Bloomer, Frances DeMarco, Richard Beishline and Anne Dodd Beishline, Evelyn Allen, THANK YOU’S Senator Pat Thibaudeau, Margaret-Ann & Mark LeRoy, Washington Women’s Foundation, St. Jude Parish, Microsoft Matching Gifts, Northwest Network for Youth, Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund, NPower Seattle & Verizon Wireless Scholarships, NPower Seattle & the Alice C. Tyler Perpetual Trust, 2100 Building Management, Barry Poirrier & Ticon Inc., Sam Ballmer, All Our Open House Attendees, Sound Youth Americorps, Leah Kosik, Sylvia Black, Dyana Eckstein & Treehouse, Ducky’s Office Furniture, Stephanie Garlichs & Jeff Ried

ABOUT US: The Mockingbird Society is a private non-profit organization dedicated to building a world class foster care system and improving the other systems that serve children and adolescents involved in homelessness and foster care. The Mockingbird Times is a monthly newspaper written and produced by youth who have experience in foster care and/or homelessness. All youth employees of Mockingbird Society are paid between $7.50 and $8.50 an MEET OUR STAFF hour. Additionally, youth from across the country submit articles, art work, poetry and are compensated up to $25 per published piece. The Mockingbird Executive Director Times has a monthly circulation of 40,000 copies being distributed across Washington State and the U.S.A, through a private distribution list and as an insert Jim Theofelis in Real Change, a Seattle-based community newspaper. Youth involvement is the key to the philosophy, values, and success of The Mockingbird Society Youth LEAD Coordinator and, as such, youth are involved in all aspects of organizational development and decision-making. Donations to The Mockingbird Society may be tax- Najja Taylor deductible and are greatly appreciated. No part of the Mockingbird Times may be reproduced without the written permission of The Mockingbird Society. All contents copyright 2005 The Mockingbird Society. Operations Manager Ros Ghan Administrative Assistant A Mockingbird Inside Your Mailbox Lauren Frederick Make a difference in the lives of our most vulnerable youth and support the Mockingbird Society! Senior Staffff Reporters Donations may be tax deductible and all donors receive the Mockingbird ˆPlease bill me for the amount Dennis Fisher, Courtney Konietzko Times. Enclosed, please find my check made payable to Mockingbird Society indicated. Satellite Reporters in the amount of: $ Rico Evans, Ashley Grant, Anthony Guess, ˆMy employer will match my Jamica Henderson, Echo Speed, Misty Lou Suggested Donations: gift; enclosed is my matching Cook, Jasmine Caldwell, Franisa Johnson, Larishica Asher, Terasa Asher, Leona Bill, $ 1,000+..... Protector $500-999.....Caretaker $250-500.....Organizations gift form. Shay Deney, J.Eboh,Hollis Riggins, Shakura $50+.....Supporter $25.....Foster Parent ˆI am interested in receiving Felder,Princess Hollins. NAME PHONE information on the advantages Contributing Writers of planned giving. Fred Thurmond, Jay-son Foreman ADDRESS EMAIL Volunteers Anna Trombley, Patricia Gray, Shannon Barello, Sheila Hicks CITY STATE ZIP ˆ Please do not include my name on published donor lists. Please fill out and mail this form with a check or money order payable to: The Mockingbird Society, 2100 24th Ave South Suite 240, Seattle WA 98144 Mockingbird Times, July 2005 Page 3

Billie Holiday’s Life Still Inspires Today Farewell She learned how to use her voice like Carnegie Hall and toured in Europe. Billie a instrument by listening to Louis made a lot of great music and records in Mockingbird FRANISA Armstrong and Bessie Smith. Billie tried her time, despite her physical and to be a dancer in a nightclub emotional problems. She JOHNSON but she got turned down. When never overcame her drug she was leaving from auditions addiction. Her health began to JASMINE one day, she was overheard fail and Billie Holiday died when CALDWELL singing a blues song by the she was 45 years old. owner. He then hired her to Billie Holiday went through BILLIE HOLIDAY MADE IT FAR sing in the nightclub. That was a lot before she made it big and AND HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE. Born a big step for her because a lot still went through a lot after. I’VE BEEN AT MOCKINGBIRD 1915 in Baltimore, Maryland, she was left of musicians wanted to Those who want to be FOR TWO MONTHS and have had a with her grandparents and older cousin perform in Harlem’s hot Billie Holiday successful should never give wonderful time. Meeting new people while her mom moved to New York City. scene. up. There is always going to be was the hardest part of coming to Her dad played the banjo and guitar. He Billie Holiday got a record deal with something or someone trying to hold you Mockingbird because I’m shy when it left his family to play in a jazz band. Vocalion Records. In 1935 she began back. We all should always walk with the comes to meeting new people. Since Billie was abused and neglected by making music with Teddy Wilson, a really positive and walk past the negative. my time at Mockingbird, I’ve learned her relatives. Other supportive people talented jazz singer, for six years. Although I have not gone through what how to express myself without getting around her helped her get a job running After getting familiar with the Billie Holiday did, there are a lot of people angry and how to keep a positive errands and cleaning apartments around industry, Billie Holiday went on tours with who had to go through a lot to get to where attitude around my boss and her neighborhood. Billie Holiday traveled The orchestra for a year. In they are now. In this world, you can not employees. Coming to Mockingbird to New York to live with her mom, but her 1938 she went on the road with Artie always take the easy road. has had a huge impact on my life and mom had other plans. Billie was moved, Shaw’s all-white band. While she was on While there are some fortunate it’s taught me so much. I am thankful by her mother, to a room in an apartment the road in the south, Billie Holiday would people who get ahead in life, for others to be a part of something positive that house where she was left to take care of have to stay on the bus while the band the road is rougher and sometimes even is so inspiring to children and adults herself. Billie Holiday got into trouble with went into the “whites only” restaurants. closed. For all of you, stay on the right who have a rough time living the life the law and spent a few months in Jail. Those days were hard for Billie Holiday track and “keep-on keeping-on”. Don’t let they want. I love the fact that When she got out, she didn’t have any so she decided to begin a solo career. anyone tell you what you will or won’t be Mockingbird is around because it money so she started singing in clubs to Billie made some nice music despite in life, because you have your own life to gives teenagers something to do earn money to survive. When she was her personal struggles. By her 30’s, she live. instead of being out in the streets. fifteen, customers wanted her to sing the suffered from depression and mood Like Billie said, “If you copy, it means Here, we have a place to express same songs over and over. To keep it swings. She was also addicted to drugs you’re working without any real feeling. ourselves when we’re going through interesting, she changed her voice and and alcohol. Billie tried to recover from No two people on earth are alike, and it’s things that can be hard to explain. timing slightly while repeating the same her addiction, and had a comeback period got to be that way in music or it isn’t My experience here has been lyrics. during the 1950s. She performed at music.” great and fun because I got to meet new people and make new friends. I’m honestly glad that I had the chance to Quote of the Month: participate in Mockingbird and will It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no always remember all the great things real security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power. they’ve done for me and all the great times I had. I appreciate all of you, —ALAN COHEN thanks. Mockingbird Graduates Fly High

JAMICA HENDERSON ASHLEY GRANT fit in, but I seem to make it through every Well, Well, I finally made it! It feels JASMINE CALDWELL trial I go through. In reflection of my high school years so good to have accomplished one big I would like to give an honor to God I can honestly say that I left having step in my life. My high school years were I’ve been at Rainer Beach High School for giving me the chance to see this very learned many life skills. The most the best years ever. I would not replace for four years and have had such a great special day, because without him there important thing I learned was that you them for anything. In the beginning of my time. I’ve grown from a freshman would be no me. I would also like thank only grow up to do one thing and that is to high school experience, I watched the skipping class and not caring about my mom for being the woman that she is take care of yourself. You come in high higher classmen to prepare me for my anything to a young woman ready for the because she has put up with so much of school being just a baby, 14 years old, and upcoming years. The class that I liked the world. Ever since I was a freshman, I had my mess and has never left my side. I am leave being either a young man or a young most was the class of 2003. They were so so many dreams of becoming so many so grateful for her and I would never want lady. How much you go through during organized and had very good leadership things. As I have gotten older, I have come to trade her for anyone else because the four years you are in high school has skills. By my senior year, I became that to the conclusion that I want to be a she’s the best mom a girl like me can have. a lot to do with your maturity level once student that younger classmen looked up professional chef and own a restaurant I LOVE YOU and thanks for being there. you are complete with that portion of your to. My senior year, I was elected to be before I reach age 35. I will always To my best friends, Sharday Ross and life. For me it all worked out. I came into apart of the student body as ASB remember Rainier Beach for the teachers Franisa Johnson, thank you guys for being high school competing with the best, but Secretary. That was a big part to play. I who pushed me and told me, “you can do there for me when I needed you the slowly but surely that faded. I ended up loved it. We got to create activities for the it and never let anyone tell you you can’t.” most.You guys are great! When I become scuffling just to graduate. But the good whole school to enjoy. This was our last I remember when I first walked into “the famous I will never forget you because thing is I made it, YEAH!!! I had lot of trials year at the old school on Beacon Hill so Beach.” I was scared and shy, but once I you stuck by my side and never left it. I and tribulations. Most of them came in we wanted to make the best of it. All the got to know everyone I enjoyed my time love you. I would also like to give thanks the last semester of my senior year. My staff enjoyed our school spirit. The class there. Now don’t get me wrong, there to my Pastor and First Lady. Thank You only advice to give to people that will be of ‘05 went out with a memory that no were a couple of times that I just wanted both for all the help you have given me in the same shoes that I was in is to stay other could. I’ll miss all the staff and to quit because things were hard and I and my family I LOVE YOU. Please keep on top of your game. I’m out, but before I young ones who looked up to me. I’ll see was having problems with other students. being the wonderful people that you are. go I would like to give my shot-outs to a them in the bigger world. Hey you never I got through it because I always had I would like to give a shout out to my few people who are the ones who helped know, I may be their nurse in the future. someone there to tell me that everything all my homies who keep it real on a daily me when I most needed the extra push was going to be okay and that I have too basis: Jamica Henderson, Ashley Grant, and encouragement. Those people are Calling all Youth much going for myself just to give it all Larishica Asher, Lonell “G Baby” Price, my family first and foremost, my best away behind some “drama.” Brian Ransom, and to anyone I forgot I’m friends, my mentor, my dean of students Writers & Artists Twelve years of schooling has been sorry but for those I didn’t I won’t forget at my school along with the principle and We are looking for articles, poetry, difficult because I have faced so much in you guys. Thanks for being you and don’t assistant principal, my counselors, and artwork and photography from our my lifetime. I have chosen so many wrong never change. So I’m going to leave now everyone else who helped me along the young readers who have experience in roads to go down, such as following the but I’m not going to say goodbye, I’m going way. I thank you all for the bottom of my the foster care system and/or wrong crowd and skipping school just to to say see you later. heart and I love you all. Ashley The homelessness. If you want to be Graduate, c/o 2005! published in the Times, contact us at 206-323-5437 or via email at [email protected]. All incoming Letters to the Editor should be addressed to Mockingbird Editorial Staff and will be opened by For more info and to check us out, go to Editorial Staff. All incoming correspondence to reporting staff under 18 years of age will be opened first by www.mockingbirdsociety.org. Mockingbird Editorial Staff. Page 4 Mockingbird Times, July 2005

very supportive of me and helped me CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 concentration that resulted in improved Runaway’s attain basic provisions. I did have periods grades in the majority of classes.” of time in which I was lacking but I still excellent history and record of conducting More importantly, the results of consider myself to be more blessed than research and evaluations of projects having a constellation, or community of Reality most. I ran into problems while on the regarding children in the foster care foster parents and children, have resulted run, but because I had a warrant myself I system, has responded with much in a reduction of foster care placements, RAQUEL GRANATH couldn’t notify the police even if I had enthusiasm to the Mockingbird Family helped ensure cultural relevancy and wanted to. The most detrimental part was Model. The Northwest Children’s Institute increased educational stability and RUNNING AWAY. IT’S A the fact that the warrant also prevented (NWCI) reported that, due to the academic performance. It makes sense, COMMON PROBLEM amongst troubled me from attending school. In the end, I Mockingbird Family Models, “Siblings did when you think about it; you need a strong youth in twenty-first century America. proved my point and was placed with my remain together in placements”, “parents family and community in order to grow Some people underestimate the true mom, although I have come to realize it reported feeling supported in their roles into a strong and independent individual. experience of running away. Whether you isn’t the most ideal situation now that I’m as foster parents and caregivers were I guess the old saying is true then, it really are literally on the street or staying in in the middle of it. In my case, I got what very satisfied with the availability and does take a village to raise a child. The various places, it is extremely stressful I thought I wanted. Given the opportunity quality of respite care” and “Parents of revised version for today’s world is that it wondering where you are going to put to go back to the beginning and recreate the children who received tutoring takes a connected community to raise a your head down at night. I speak from the situation I think I would have used a reported that the children showed foster child and make it feel like a genuine personal experience as I’m quite familiar different method to get my way. improved attention in class and increased home.

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○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ with the anxieties of hunger and Since returning from the streets, I’ve ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ loneliness. The streets, although very started the long hard process of starting appealing to some, are not friendly nor over with a new life. I’m proud to say that will they take care of you in your times of I’ve been accepted with full scholarships need. to two schools of my choice: Lakeside, and CCREATIVE CCORNER So why do so many young kids flock Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences. I to the “hoods” and the “blocks” in our declined Lakeside’s tempting offer and Calling out the Ages society? “I think kids run away because have decided to attend SAAS for my high COURTNEY KONIETZKO something is wrong at home. If school career. In addition I have Looking for something that isn’t there everything was right at home then why discovered Mockingbird Society which has Calling a silent language out would they need to (leave)?” says Ashley, provided me with the respite I need from A name that is known from the ages a Cleveland High School graduate. This my challenging life. I am so thankful for But fails to pronounce itself on today’s is somewhat true, according to National the blessings that have been bestowed tongue Runaway Switchboard, 36% of the calls on me and I hope that they continue into they receive from runaways claim that the future. I know you are there their family dynamics are unsatisfactory. Being in the system has taken a toll I know I will find you Other reasons include peers, school, on my life. Despite the hard times I’ve In the right time drugs, neglect, sexual assault, physical/ endured, I always try to maintain a positive When I make my time verbal abuse, and economics.¹ Most kids outlook on life. Like Tupac Shakur said in only stay on the streets for a few days but his song Baby Don’t Cry “you got to find a Cold metal concrete and piss stained some survive up to six months or more. way to survive because they win when alleyways So what do these kids do to make a living? your soul dies.” You never know who Back reflecting windows that see nothing Disturbingly 3% sell drugs or use sex as a may enter your atmosphere in attempts Blank stares of eyes that are afraid to see means to fund themselves. ¹ to help your situation. Even though look back at me I was on the run for around two sometimes it feels like the end to the hard Look once, twice, did you see what you months before I willingly came into times will never come and the depression wanted to see? custody so that I could be placed with my is just too much to handle, you can make Message to the Youth mother. I was tired of living in group it through the rain. I know you are there homes and frustrated because it seemed If you would like more information RAQUEL GRANATH I know I will find you like those were the only options my social on running away visit http://www.scn.org/ In the right time worker would offer me. I left the group crisis/youth.html for a list of resources in I can’t leave this earth until I’ve left my When I make my time home suddenly, totally fed up with their the Seattle area or call 1800-RUNAWAY legacy rules and regulations. Consequently, I for the National Runaway Switchboard. But what will it be? Posted on the block Underneath the chemical didn’t have any necessary food or hygiene drinking Hennessey? In the flesh and blood and soul items that one would generally need. It ¹ From National Runaway Naw I can outdo that Lies something bigger than the sum of its was a very difficult time for me. I stayed Switchboard http://www.nrscrisisline.org/ A doctor or lawyer surpasses a hood rat parts with family and friends who luckily were 2004stat.asp These cats walk around like they’re Something that thrives on beauty not obsessed with gats hatred Summer Events in Seattle Rap about how they’re strapped with two macks I know you are there OURTNEY ONIETZKO Bout to blow you off the map C K ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ I know I will find you Cut the crap where is being a gangsta In the right time Summer Sack Lunch Program – free Seattle Center Outdoor Cinema – Free gonna take ya? When I make my time lunches for youth age 18 and under. Lunch films on the lawn of the Mural I’m tired of hearing “yo I’ll pop and shank is served between 12 and 1 at various sites Amphitheatre, 45-foot screen. All movies ya” I hear you in my dreams across Seattle. For more info call (206) 386- start at dusk. For more info go to http:// These people here are our kids’ role I feel you threaten to burst through the 1360 or go to http://www.cityofseattle.net/ www.seattlecenter.com/events/festivals/ models confines of society parks/events/summercitykids.htm detail.asp?EV_EventNum=41 Teaching ’em how to rob, steal, and load I hear you in the rhythms of my successes Punk Rock Yoga – Location: The Vera Seattle Peace Concerts – free but up them hollows and the downfalls of my delusions th Project located in Belltown at 1916 4 Ave. people are encouraged to bring a donation Is this the example that we want children I know you watch over me in sleep and Every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8pm. of a non-perishable food item for to follow? consciousness Bring your own towel or mat or you can Northwest Harvest food bank. Family Little girls thinking it’s cute to wear short I will find you until the day where you keep rent one for a buck. Suggested donation events, no alcohol allowed. All concerts skirts and boots pace with my heart and run parallel in my is $5. For more info go to http:// take place Sundays from 12-6pm. For Little boys thinking it’s cool to smoke weed head www.punkrockyoga.com/ more info go to http://www.seapeace.org/ and skip school The day I know you are me Free African Music Night – Location: events/html/ We need to watch what the media feeds I will be free. HIDMO Eritrean Restaurant located at 2005 Bite of Seattle – Location: Seattle our young people 2000 S. Jackson St. Every Sunday from 8 Center, free. July 22, 23, and 24th. 3 days Cuz they are our future and they should We Are Not Druggies to 10pm. Non-smoking venue, for more Friday and Saturday 11am to 9pm fly like eagles info go to http://www.seattle.craiglist.org/ Sunday 11am to 8pm. For more info go to Tell our youngsters they can have the SARAH MCCURRY eve/80692333.html http://www.biteofseattle.com/home/ world and all its luxuries Our peers look at us Free Out to Lunch Series Concerts – default.aspx You don’t have to lower yourself to be who like we're some kind of disease. kicks of July 1st! Takes place at various 10th Annual Seattle Music Fest at Alki you wanna be Just cause we're in foster care parks and plazas in downtown Seattle. All Beach - free and all ages. August 12,13, Any dude that won’t respect ain’t worth it does not mean we're messed up. concerts are from noon to 1:30pm. and 14th. Friday 4-10pm Saturday and baby You think we're people For more info go to http:// Sunday 11am to 10pm. Location: Alki You don’t have to give it up for him to love who do drugs or drink. www.downtownseattle.com/content/ Beach in West Seattle. Suggested you lil lady Just cause our parents do special/OTL/schedule.cfm donation $5. Guys you don’t have to pay her way doesn't mean we do. Fremont Outdoor Cinema – located If she likes you for who you are through Most of us don't want anything to do with th at North 35 and Phinney Ave. N. Free Don’t forget Seafair celebrations thick and thin she’ll stay that crap. movies projected on a giant wall. Every this month! Go to www.seafair.com/ for Just take this as a lesson learned Next time you want to talk crap about Saturday at dusk. For more info go to http:/ more details. And you’ll get what you deserve foster kids /www.fremontoutdoormovies.com You deserve the world think again