In 2009, when Protestant Board of Guardians closed its doors to foster care services, Edwin Gould Services for Children & Families (EGSCF) was chosen by the Administration for Children Services (ACS) to assume the care of several children. One of the youth who came to EGSCF via this change in service was JP.
JP began attending our Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA) Life Skills Workshops which encourage inclusive and gender-neutral practices. His participation therein was meaningful, notable, and memorable. Specifically, during a discussion in the Human Sexuality and Family Planning workshop, JP had the confidence to express himself, and challenge his fellow youth to rethink every myth that they had ever tendered about homosexuality. He disclosed to his peers that he is openly gay and works at NYC City Council Speaker Christine Quinn’s office. While surprised by some of the comments made, JP indicated that the workshops gave him the positive tools, confidence, and comfortable setting, in which, to discuss his sexuality. As a result, today JP is a respected leader amongst his peers.
On July 7, 2011, JP was the Guest Speaker at Edwin Gould’s Annual Youth Recognition and Awards Ceremony. His comments regarding youth development and achievement received a standing ovation. The intensity of the several moments of applause, during and following his speech, indicated that he had reached the minds and hearts of those present. The audience was even more effusive in their applause when JP announced that he was accepted to Brandeis University in Boston, Massachusetts, with a full educational scholarship.
When newly appointed ACS Commissioner Ronald Richter addressed the Foster Care LGBTQ Project Action Group on September 14, 2011, he began by referring to some of the positive children, adolescents, and families that he has encountered since returning to ACS. He stated that a few weeks ago he met a wonderful foster youth who was on his way to Brandeis University. From speaking to this young man, Commissioner Richter got the impression that he was well served by his law guardian, foster care workers, and agency. The young man that the Commissioner was referring to was none other than JP.
Clearly, this is a moment for the Agency to congratulate JP on his many successes and, at the same time, feel proud that we have touched this young man’s life. Each EGSCF worker who has interacted with JP has been instrumental in providing the safety and guidance that is so important to his growth and well-being.
Article contributed by: Wrickford Dalgetty, Director of Preparing Youth for Adulthood