The youth-written stories in Represent give inspiration and information to teens in foster care while offering staff insight into those teens’ struggles.

The Brian Lehrer Show features Represent writers Congrats to Erica and Ms. Huriya, MercyFirst (Staff Shout-Out) Editor Virginia Vitzthum receives LGBTQ & Ally Award

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‘We Can’t Continue,’ But I Did Esther has to flee political violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo after her parents are killed. She travels across many countries to the U.S., where she finds refuge. [more]	The Welcome Wagon JCCA's unaccompanied minors program gives asylum-seeking youth stability and care. Staff Dalia Johnson and Emmie Surinach share how they prepare young immigrants for life in the U.S. [more]
What We Might Not Say A former foster youth who now works in preventive services writes about his past. His experience helps him recognize how youth might be suffering in silence within their families. [more]	Slightly Open Arms Chantel is disappointed by a foster mother who seems great at first, but turns out to be an abusive drunk. It makes it hard for her to open up to anyone. [more] [LESSON PLAN]
Give Me My Freedom and Privacy Bella's mom dies, leaving her alone with her mom's abusive partner. When she goes into care, she's sent to a residential facility where she longs for quiet and privacy. [more]	Not Too Late for a Mother Leah endures 20 different foster care placements, all bad, until she moves in with Beatriz and Frankie at age 14. Beatriz teaches Leah about trust, self-respect, and love. [more]
Connecting Through Culture Angie is raised by a Puerto Rican mom who's a Jehovah's Witness. In care, she's placed with a Haitian Christian and then a Muslim and finds that she loves learning about new cultures. [more]	How to Be a Great Foster Parent Stephen Hamner works at a large foster care agency in New York. He lays out what he expects of foster parents and what they should know about foster youth. [more]
Helping Me With Control Lance struggles with anger and blows it with a good foster family. He learns from caring adults and his own self-observation to identify and control his feelings. [more] [LESSON PLAN]	Finally, a Work Role Model Until she's 19, Alexus has never lived with an adult who talked about her job. In her new home, her foster mom talks about work and gives her helpful advice. [more]