Safe Children Coalition presents Independent Living 'Level Up' Youth Summit

For young adults who age out of the state care system, they are typically facing a challenging immersion in "the real world" without the family and financial supports and safety net that young adults from stable families benefit from. Difficulties faced by these young adults can include financial literacy, securing stable housing, accessing healthcare, job readiness skills, transportation, and more. Additionally, many children who end up in the state care system have suffered some level of trauma: studies prove that the rates of trauma, anxiety and PTSD are much higher among foster youth than the general population.

On June 5, in an effort to help equip young adults who have aged out of the state care system with tools that can support their journey to independence, child welfare organization Safe Children Coalition convened approximately 50 young adults (ages 18-23), all of whom have been involved in the state care system, to the Independent Living 'Level Up' Youth Summit. The event took place on the Harvest Sarasota/Harvest House campus.

The event featured numerous speakers addressing topics such as education, leadership, health and life skills. Keynote speaker was Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson, an author, motivational speaker, pastor, and CEO of The Children's Collective, Inc. in Los Angeles, Calif. He is also an expert trainer specializing in anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), resilience, and community building. His topic was, "No Cheat Codes to Success," which advised the attendees that every life experience can be used to get to the next level.

Also appearing at the event was international speaker and South Florida musical artist Alexander Star. He presented an upbeat and empowering musical keynote concert. In addition to his musical endeavors, he has created a proprietary experience called "Inner Glow," which offers therapeutic songwriting and recording sessions. The experience helps participants to process trauma, build confidence, and reclaim lost voices by transforming pain into purpose. For over a decade, Alexander Star has led these sessions across the U.S. and overseas, specializing in connecting with and caring for teens living in foster care.

"We presented this Youth Summit for youths and young adults in an effort to equip them with life skills. We wanted to show them that the circumstances that brought them into care do not dictate their life successes," said Wendy Readus, AS, BA, CCWCM, Safe Children Coalition's Independent Living Life Skills Manager. "Our goal was to bring a unique and authentic perspective that can encourage, inspire, and provide insight to younger individuals and others attending the event; to share valuable experiences but also reinforce the impact of lived experience in supporting and empowering youth currently in care."

The attending young adults came from all over the state to benefit from learning and networking with peers, helping them to connect with beneficial resources as well as each other.

For more about Safe Children Coalition, visit sccfl.org.

About Safe Children Coalition, Inc.
Safe Children Coalition, Inc. (SCC) serves as the lead agency for community-based care for Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. SCC is a collaboration between local community agencies who provide services to children and families in need. SCC is committed to protecting children, strengthening families, and building community. The core functions provided by SCC include child welfare case management, foster care, adoption, independent living, prevention, diversion, quality management, and support services. Visit sccfl.org or call 941-371-4799.