You Gotta Believe

Thrilled to see our friend David Ambroz featured on ’s blog! David spoke on YGB's Memoirs of Foster Care Panel earlier this year.

We are inspired by his generosity and story which includes not only surviving the foster care system but also becoming a foster parent.

Thank you, David, for your truth telling and advocacy!

David Ambroz - Brené Brown His story opens a window into the pain of poverty and the power of hope, strength, and perseverance.

Throwback to when we weren’t in a heat wave, but things were still FIRE 🔥 at !

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible YGB Nobody Ages Out team for their dedication and hard work.

Their charisma, insight and exceptional community engagement skills truly made a difference, leading to meaningful connections and inspiring prospective YGB parents who signed up to learn more about becoming LOVING and AFFIRMING families for foster youth.

And they did it all while being fully present, fun, funny, and lovely individuals. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! 🌈 ❤️

We are fortunate to have such an inspiring group of advocates committed to sharing our mission to connect foster youth with loving, permanent families. Special thanks to the YGB parents, YGB Board President, and the mayor of New York City for their support and presence. Proud to be part of this amazing community!

Oh, and the infused water station was delightful! IYKYK. 😉💧

***rfosteryouth ***rfamilies

From foster care to NFL success, Bills running back Ray Davis inspires on and off the field.

“Everybody congratulates me for the football part of it, and that’s great, getting to the NFL and all that. But I’m an inner-city kid, a foster-care product who graduated from a top-15 school in the country. I feel like that’s what we should be celebrating. I never once thought I’d ever get into a school like Vanderbilt.” - Ray Davis

Ray, we see your tremendous success! We’re proud of you and grateful for your leadership! Thank you for sharing your story!



Link in Stories

From foster care to NFL success, Bills running back Ray Davis inspires on and off the field.

“Everybody congratulates me for the football part of it, and that’s great, getting to the NFL and all that. But I’m an inner-city kid, a foster-care product who graduated from a top-15 school in the country. I feel like that’s what we should be celebrating. I never once thought I’d ever get into a school like Vanderbilt.” - Ray Davis

Ray, we see your tremendous success! We're proud of you and grateful for your leadership! Thank you for sharing your story!

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5293529/2024/02/29/ray-davis-nfl-draft-kentucky-vanderbilt/?redirected=1

Ray Davis grew up homeless, now he seeks to be a 'name you'll remember forever' He is two months away from hearing his name called at the NFL Draft, but that's not what Davis is most proud of.

Join us tonight, Thursday, June 27 at 8 PM ET for Instagram Live with YGB Advocates! 🎉

Tonight's special guest, Guillermo, a program participant of the Transition-Aged Youth program with and and an intern with YGB, will be joining us for a special episode on the journey toward self-compassion and the importance of self-care.

This is perfect for foster youth, former foster youth, and anyone who wants to learn more about the foster care experience.

Don’t miss this inspiring and insightful conversation! 🌟

Facts: Decades of research confirm that LGBTQ+ folks make excellent parents, with outcomes for their kids equal to those raised by different-sex parents. (this is totally unsurprising to us, of course!!)

And while, sadly, LGBTQ+ adults face discrimination in too many child welfare spaces, we are proud to welcome adults of all genders, relationship status, and orientation to become permanent parents.

🌈 We are committed to making a difference for LGBTQ+ youth and families—not just during , but all year!

Together, we can ensure foster youth are connected to LOVING and AFFIRMING lifetime families. 🏳️‍🌈

We’re going live soon for a special episode of Stars in the House, dedicated to You Gotta Believe's mission of connecting older kids in foster care with loving families. Tune in tonight at 7 PM ET to watch. If you’ve never experienced our Voices event, now’s your chance to see the magic Seth Rudetsky and his husband,James create. We all could use a little magic right now! Don’t miss it!

You Gotta Believe Benefit | Stars in the House, Thursday 5/23 @ 7 PM ET Stars in the House commemorates National Foster Care Month with a benefit for You Gotta Believe with Sharon Catherine Brown and Ta'Nika Gibson. Seth Rudetsky...

THIS THURSDAY!!! 🌟 Join us for a episode of Stars in the House dedicated to the important mission of You Gotta Believe - connecting foster youth with loving, permanent families.

We are thrilled to partner with Seth Rudetsky andJames Wesley Jackson for this spectacular online show.

Join us LIVE on Thursday, May 23 at 7 PM ET.
This is a FREE Virtual Event!

Featuring two amazing Broadway stars CatherineBrown and who will perform and share why connecting foster youth to permanent loving families is so important (and personal) for both of them! ❤️

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event filled with music, love and hope!

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Monday's panel was enlightening and filled with powerful stories and unique perspectives. A heartfelt thank you to our panelists—David Ambroz, Ángela Banks, Regina Calcaterra, Author, Amnoni Myers and Angelo Michael Grotticelli, for sharing their experiences aging out of foster care and shedding light on the crucial mission of connecting foster youth to permanent families.

Special thanks to the Ford Foundation for hosting and Carver Federal Savings Bank for sponsoring. Thanks to all the supporters who joined us to explore how we can collectively support foster youth.

Visit YGB's Hub to learn how to join us in connecting every foster youth to a loving, permanent family! Let's continue making a meaningful impact together:
https://lnkd.in/et-67vRX

🌟 Final Reminder: Registration closes soon for Monday's Panel discussion! This event is completely free, but registration is required by 9 a.m. on Friday, May 3rd.

Join us for an inspiring evening of storytelling, self-discovery, and empowerment at 'In Their Own Words: Memoirs of a Foster Care Journey.” Secure your spot now and be part of this impactful event. Find details and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-their-own-words-memoirs-of-a-foster-care-journey-tickets-875684354477

During , we're shining a light on the incredible resilience and love within YGB families. Meet Mike, a YGB single dad with two amazing sons. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of moral adoption—a lifelong commitment to a child, regardless of legal status.

Read and share his uplifting story to help spread the word about the importance of becoming a permanent parent to older kids in foster care: https://www.yougottabelieve.org/a-single-dads-journey-to-fatherhood/

Join us throughout to discover how you can be a part of our movement, connecting foster youth to permanent, loving families!

The number of youth in need of families is staggering, but we're dedicated to transforming this reality for the better—one family at a time.

We're proud to unveil YGB's event calendar for Foster Care Awareness Month. Check out the complete calendar of events tailored to raise awareness about the urgent need for permanent families for foster youth here: https://www.yougottabelieve.org/national-foster-care-awareness-month/ -of-events

Head over to YGB’s Foster Care Awareness Month Hub for valuable resources, calendar of events, and tools to make a real difference in the lives of the 114,000 foster youth who need the care and stability of a loving, permanent family: https://www.yougottabelieve.org/national-foster-care-awareness-month/

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Dive into the powerful narratives of foster care alumni at "In Their Own Words: Memoirs of a Foster Care Journey" panel discussion. Learn more and reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-their-own-words-memoirs-of-a-foster-care-journey-tickets-875684354477

By joining us, you'll not only gain valuable insights but also become empowered to make a difference in the lives of youth.

In Their Own Words:
Memoirs of A Foster Care Journey
Panel Discussion: Monday, May 6 at 5:30 PM
for Foster Care Awareness Month

Panelists will share stories of their lived experiences in the system, discuss ideas for change, and inspire us all to uplift youth in foster care.

The event is free, but registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-their-own-words-memoirs-of-a-foster-care-journey-tickets-875684354477

♥Celebrate the transformative power of family and raise the stakes for a cause that truly matters—finding permanent families for foster youth! Join us for the inaugural Hearts & Hands Hold Em' Poker Tournament on Wednesday, May 1, at 6 PM.

♠️ Whether you're a seasoned poker pro or just starting out, your participation will support our mission to find permanent, loving families for foster youth. Learn more and secure your spot here: https://lnkd.in/eUMEb9iD

🌟 Join us for a Special Instagram Live Event!

📅 Date: March 29
🕕 Time: 6 pm ET

🎉 Tribute to Women's History Month 🎉

Join YGB advocates Catreena Nia Imani & Michelle for a special Instagram Live event as we highlight the incredible women who have shaped our lives and history.

ℹ️ YGB advocates are a team of foster care alumni dedicated to preparing youth for permanency through consulting, family finding services, and empowerment workshops.

🔗 Don't miss out! Follow on Instagram and join us at 6 pm ET for an inspiring discussion!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ LAST CALL FOR RUNNERS! 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

🌟We're urgently seeking TWO passionate runners (or joggers!) to join for the NYC Half Marathon this Sunday, March 17th! 🗽

The NYC Half Marathon isn't just about crossing the finish line—it's about making a difference. By joining our team, you'll be supporting our mission to connect foster youth to loving, permanent families. Every step you you take helps us connect and support forever families!

But time is running out! The deadline to register is TOMORROW, March 12th!

Don’t miss out on the chance to bark on this unforgettable journey —reach out ASAP! Use this link to sign up: https://www.yougottabelieve.org/2024-united-airlines-half-marathon-form/

Together, let’s run for our youth ana transform lives one stride at a time!

We have spots for 2 RUNNERS on our team for the 2024 NYC Half Marathon on Sunday, March 17th! By joining our team, you're not just running a race – you're making a difference in the lives of foster youth and bolstering our mission to connect foster kids to permanent, loving families.

Apply here to secure your spot: https://buff.ly/3RMWVmU

🌟 Don’t miss out! 🌟 Join us TOMORROW for an Instagram Live session you won’t want to miss!

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, February 28th
🕒 Time: 3 PM ET

In this exclusive event, Catreena will be delving into the powerful themes of FAITH and RESILIENCE! 🌈 Join us as Catreena shares her personal journey and explores the vital role faith and resilience play in her work advocating for foster youth.

ABOUT CATREENA: Meet Catreena, a remarkable advocate who joined YGB in 2022. As a survivor of the foster care system, Catreena brings unparalleled empathy and understanding to her work with youth. Through her advocacy, she instills hope in foster youth, empowering them to take charge of their own destinies. 🌟

ABOUT THE LIVE CHAT: This Live Chat is open to ALL: foster youth, former foster youth, permanent parents, caseworkers, and anyone seeking insight into the foster care experience and how to support youth effectively. 🤝 Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and advocate for positive change! See you there! 🌟

Dear Valentines, we love you, and thank you for supporting our mission to connect foster youth with loving families.

The impact of a permanent, loving family extends far beyond the walls of a household; it lays the foundation for a bright future filled with hope and stability.
That’s the kind of transformative love we’re honoring today!

Consumers spend an astounding $25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day. Just imagine the profound impact even a fraction of that amount could have on the 400,000 youth currently in the US foster care system.

This Valentine's Day, help spread the love for foster youth. Tag someone you know and invite them to learn more about how much family means to someone waiting in foster care. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most! 💕🌟

🌈 Excited to join our pals at the LGBT Network on Sunday for LGBT Family day! We’ll be there to chat about the urgent need for loving, affirming families for older foster kids. Register now to secure your spot: https://lgbtnetwork.org/lgbt-families-day/

🌟 Every teenager deserves a chance at a loving, permanent family! Transitioning into adulthood can be tough, but the support of a family makes all the difference. You could be that difference !! Learn more about becoming a parent to a foster teen today! ❤️🏡

Sign up for an introductory session: https://forms.monday.com/forms/embed/59ef2b9601207b46037e718056b922aa?r=use1

Is running part of your New Year's Resolution? Run with us! You Gotta Believe is proud to be a charity partner for the 2024 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon on Sunday, March 17th.

Ready to be part of something big? We're calling on runners of all levels to be a part of our team. Each runner commits to raising a minimum of $2,500 to join the team. Apply now! Let's RUN FOR FAMILY and transform lives together: https://www.yougottabelieve.org/2024-united-airlines-half-marathon-form/

Nothing brings us more joy than receiving adorable photos from YGB families! This beautiful family finalized their adoption in 2018. And these amazing dads and siblings have been an integral part of the YGB community ever since! 🥰✨

As we inch toward the new year, we're reflecting of the importance of family togetherness and connection.❤️ In 2024, we’re more committed than ever to connecting foster youth awaiting families to loving parents like these Dads.💕

Join us in our end-of-year campaign and help us make a difference in the lives of the 114,000 foster youth at risk of being all alone without a permanent family. Your donation empowers us to create more beautiful stories of unconditional forever families like this one.✨ Please consider making a donation donation to give the gift of family here: https://www.pledge.to/givingtuesday-give-the-gift-of-family 🌟

Thank you for being a part of YGB and supporting our work. Together, we can make a difference!! 🌈
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🌟✨ Wishing everyone a safe and restorative holiday season! 🌈 While we embrace the joyous moments, we acknowledge that this time of year can be challenging for many. We see you! Whether you're celebrating with joy or navigating difficulties, know that you're held in our hearts. ❤️ Grateful to have you in the You Gotta Believe Family!

Here's to all we'll create and achieve together in 2024. Until then, take care and be well!💙✨

Support permanent solutions for youth in foster care!! We find permanent, loving families for teens and young adults at risk of aging out all alone.

Approximately 114,000 youth are waiting to be adopted, facing the risk of aging out of foster care without permanent family connections. Our mission is clear: We aim to raise $114,000 to represent this staggering number and support their crucial work in finding permanent parents and families for some of the most vulnerable youth in foster care.

Your contribution ensures our mission continues: We're so close to our goal—$97,000 raised. With your support, we can make it happen. Our youth and families are counting on us! Please consider giving the gift of family now: https://www.pledge.to/givingtuesday-give-the-gift-of-family

Dont forget to join us Later today at 6pm to speak with Deanna about her time in care having hope for the holidays and creating her own family dynamic .