Testimonials

NEYC allows for people to continue the advocacy work at the regional level and it really means a lot with how we move forward as a population of America who struggles everyday to meet basic transitional requirements.

In my experience, nothing as big as the goals of NEYC can be done by yourself so I represent my state and the people that need advocacy by collaborating and working with NEYC members from other states and continue to have an open line of communication with other states and see how other states do things and take that back to my state’s leadership and advocate for my state’s youth who are currently in care so we can better Vermont’s system and hopefully make it better for everyone else at the regional level.

NEYC is the perfect spot for you if you want to be a youth who has the potential to effect change at the regional and state level. I work with Vermont leadership on a wide range of issues currently faced by transitioning foster youth. The work that I do will impact generations to come. The biggest benefit for me is being a part of a community that has experienced a lot of similar experiences I’ve had and have been able to overcome the challenges and rise above.

NEYC is a very impactful group for me and it has allowed me to connect with youth from all over the region who have very similar experiences to me. I also feel validated when I think of NEYC because my feelings are shared by other youth and are seen as normal.

Three words to describe NEYC? 'Empower the future.'

I think it's a great group to become a part of. You learn life-long skills that you can use forever. And the staff is very caring and supportive and they want to see us thrive in our journeys and become the best version of us that we can be.

If you are a foster child or you were a foster child, this is an opportunity for you to step up and make a change, even if it is not immediate.

NEYC is an amazing organization that encompasses the New England states as ONE. Former youth in care and youth in care working together with adult partners to manifest change, to discuss issues that are important to them and to create an atmosphere of consistency throughout the states in New England. It is a unique, amazing organization.

I am proud to be an adult supporter with NEYC. I enjoy the camaraderie of other adult supporters and engaging with youth from all over New England.

We want to normalize adolescent life for a lot of youth who are in care. Things like attending prom or participating in activities that they enjoy. Getting their driver’s license is huge. I would like to see kids in care be given more opportunities to normalize their lives and their futures ahead.