It’s Fall! Leaves are changing colors, days are cooling off, and children are choosing costumes. Fortunately, there are no tricks here at NFYI. In fact, we have plenty of treats to share! With your continued support, our collective work to improve the Foster Care System is gaining momentum, and we are happy to report our significant accomplishments:

Announcing Our New Executive Director
After an extensive search, NFYI is thrilled to announce we have hired Lilla Weinberger as our permanent Executive Director. For many of you, Lilla is a familiar face. She previously served as our Interim Executive Director and Organizing Director. Lilla brings dynamic energy and leadership to her new role. She has tremendous experience working alongside underserved and underrepresented communities in both social justice and issue-based campaigns. On a personal note, Lilla is an avid reader and native Los Angeles resident. Congratulations, Lilla!
Lilla_Newsletter
Chicago Listening Tour
Earlier this month, we brought our National Listening Tour to Chicago. With the help of U.S. Representatives Danny Davis (IL-7), Robin Kelly (IL-2), and Karen Bass (CA-37), NFYI hosted a successful Congressional Forum on Foster Care Reform. Dozens of foster youth, their families, policymakers, and community advocates attended the event to share moving, first-hand testimony about specific changes needed to assist families in crisis, support those affected by incarceration, and prevent child trafficking.
Chicago_Newsletter
Job Shadowing Program Cohort VI
Cohort VI of our thriving Job Shadowing Program just wrapped up! Can you believe we’ve now provided Job Shadowing experiences to more than 80 youth? With help from our tremendous community partners, talented job readiness trainers, and inspiring worksite mentors, NFYI continues to tee foster youth and former foster youth up for future success. Cohort VII is about to begin!
Cohort_VI_Newsletter
“Know How” Screening & Roundtable
In September, NFYI teamed with The Right Way Foundation to host our “Know How” Film Screening & Roundtable Discussion. Over 120 foster youth and community leaders joined local experts and elected officials to address the importance of comprehensive, long-term support services for foster youth. Following this powerful conversation, participants enjoyed the critically acclaimed film “Know How”that captures the reality of life in the foster care system from the perspective of those who experience it. Check out terrific media coverage of the event.
Know_How_Newsletter
NFYI in the Community
We’ve been busy building a network of supporters and activists committed to Child Welfare Reform. In the past few weeks, young leaders represented NFYI at the Community Coalition Powerfest Music Festival and the United Friends of the Children College Within Reach conference. We love being in the community recruiting potential neighborhood leaders and strengthening our Leadership Corps.
Powerfest_Newsletter
Thank You for Your Support!
It’s a season of impressive growth and change here at NFYI. We are extremely excited about what we’ve achieved, and there is much more to come!
What’s next? In the weeks ahead, NFYI will continue to build a massive grassroots organizing campaign, will host National Listening Tours in Los Angeles and Baltimore, and will hold our end of the year fundraising campaign followed by our Annual Fundraising Gala early next year.
How can you be part of all the action? Volunteer, make a grassroots donation, and follow us on social media today.It’s that simple.
I am extremely honored to be NFYI’s new Executive Director, and I look forward to our continued growth and success as we support foster youth, build momentum for change, and improve child welfare policy together!

In Solidarity,
Lilla Weinberger
Executive Director