ABOUT US
Oregon Foster Youth Connection (OFYC) empowers current and former foster youth to share their voice and to be heard in key decisions affecting children and youth in foster care. With peer support, leadership skills, and civic engagement, these inspiring youth take the lead in improving their own lives and the lives of thousands of kids in Oregon’s foster care system.
Youth Leadership
Foster youth grow as leaders by developing solutions for Oregon’s foster care system. From their unique perspective as youth who have experienced foster care, OFYC members participate in key child welfare advisory meetings, provide education on foster care issues, and advocate for policy change in the Oregon Legislature. They learn to communicate effectively, problem-solve, and work on a team to achieve their goals.
Meaningful Support
Through peer support and adult mentorship, members have the opportunity to build community with foster youth from all walks of life. Participating youth gain confidence from their experiences in foster care while building a foundation of support for a productive and successful adulthood.
Lasting Impact
OFYC youth establish long-term change within the foster care system by developing and advocating for policies in the Oregon Legislature. Wins secured by youth include the Foster Children’s Sibling Bill of Rights, a tuition waiver at state universities and community colleges for youth who spent time in Oregon’s foster care system, and the ability for foster children to open savings accounts in their own name. Alumni of OFYC have moved on to higher education, leadership roles in government, and career paths that build on the skills gained in OFYC.

Legislative Achievements
OFYC was founded in 2008 by a staff member of Children First for Oregon who experienced foster care as a youth. The very first OFYC meeting included four youth and two adults. Today, OFYC has members from all over the state, and we have been successful in passing every piece of legislation that our members have developed and advocated for in the Oregon State Legislature. Click here for a list of our legislative accomplishments.
Creates a Child Welfare Equity Committee within the Governor’s Child foster Care Advisory Commission to recommend actions agencies can take to ensure equitable treatment of anyone receiving child welfare services.
“When I was taken from my family and put in foster care, I was placed with a lot of non-Native people who didn’t know who I was as a Native youth. I was stripped from my Native identity and cultural practices from my family.” — Gloria, OFYC member
[/et_pb_vertical_timeline_item][et_pb_vertical_timeline_item title=”Sibling Bill of Rights | 2017″ use_read_more=”off” circle_color=”#ffffff” animation=”off” _builder_version=”3.2.2″ headings_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” headings_text_color=”#007a1c” headings_font_size=”25px” headings_font_size_tablet=”25px” headings_font_size_phone=”25px” use_background_color_gradient=”off” background_color_gradient_type=”linear” background_color_gradient_direction_radial=”center” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” background_size=”cover” background_position=”center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend=”normal” allow_player_pause=”off” background_video_pause_outside_viewport=”on” text_text_shadow_style=”none” text_shadow_style=”none” headings_text_shadow_style=”none” box_shadow_style=”none”]
Ensures that youth in care are supported in preserving and strengthening relationships with their siblings.
“When you are in the foster care system, siblings are all the connection that you have. They know what you are going through; they know everything. They want to help you. They want to stick by you.” — Raven, OFYC member
[/et_pb_vertical_timeline_item][et_pb_vertical_timeline_item title=”Extracurricular Activities | 2015″ use_read_more=”off” circle_color=”#ffffff” animation=”off” _builder_version=”3.2.2″ text_font_size_tablet=”13px” text_font_size_phone=”13px” headings_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” headings_text_color=”#007a1c” headings_font_size=”23px” headings_font_size_tablet=”23px” headings_font_size_phone=”23px” headings_line_height=”1.6em” headings_line_height_tablet=”1.6em” headings_line_height_phone=”1.6em” border_color_all=”#007a1c”] Gives youth in care the opportunity to participate in activities with their peers, develop their talents, and build lifelong relationships by ensuring that Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and foster parents work together to support youth in joining at least one ongoing extracurricular activity.
“I knew that I needed something to help me get through my challenges or I’d shut down. I put all I had into extracurricular activities and found that it helped immensely. I came to realize I love helping others, being a leader, and standing up for what I believe in. Because of my activities, I have a plan of what I intend to do after I graduate.” — Alexis, OFYC member [/et_pb_vertical_timeline_item][et_pb_vertical_timeline_item title=”Savings Account | 2015″ use_read_more=”off” icon_color=”#007a1c” circle_color=”#ffffff” animation=”off” _builder_version=”3.2.2″ headings_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” headings_text_color=”#007a1c” headings_font_size=”24px” headings_font_size_tablet=”24px” headings_font_size_phone=”24px”] Ensures that foster youth 12 years old or older receive direct assistance from DHS in establishing their own savings accounts. [/et_pb_vertical_timeline_item][et_pb_vertical_timeline_item title=”Bill of Rights | 2013″ use_read_more=”off” circle_color=”#ffffff” animation=”off” _builder_version=”3.2.2″ headings_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” headings_text_color=”#007a1c” headings_font_size=”27px” headings_font_size_tablet=”27px” headings_font_size_phone=”27px”] Establishes clear requirements for informing foster youth about their legal rights and establishes a hotline answered by the Foster Care Ombudsman, which is an independent resource to investigate complaints, concerns, or violation of rights for children in the custody of Oregon DHS Foster Care.
“As a foster child, all you want to know is that someone has your back. By educating foster children about their rights, and setting up a grievance procedure if their rights are violated, we make one solid push to give foster kids safety and protection. That’s the very minimum any parent wants for their kid.” — Patrick, OFYC member [/et_pb_vertical_timeline_item][et_pb_vertical_timeline_item title=”Tuition Waiver | 2011″ use_read_more=”off” circle_color=”#ffffff” animation=”off” _builder_version=”3.2.2″ headings_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” headings_text_color=”#007a1c” headings_font_size=”26px” headings_font_size_tablet=”26px” headings_font_size_phone=”26px”] Waives tuition and fees at state universities and community colleges for youth who spent time in Oregon’s foster care system.
“I want the chance to succeed. I have the grades, now I know I’ll have the resources.” — Nicole, OFYC member [/et_pb_vertical_timeline_item][et_pb_vertical_timeline_item title=”Medical Assistance | 2010″ use_read_more=”off” circle_color=”#ffffff” animation=”off” _builder_version=”3.2.2″ headings_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” headings_text_color=”#007a1c” headings_font_size=”27px” headings_font_size_tablet=”27px” headings_font_size_phone=”27px” background_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0)” border_color_all=”#11a370″ border_color_top=”#11a037″] Grants eligibility for Oregon Health Plan Plus healthcare coverage for all youth in Oregon’s foster care system when they turn 18. [/et_pb_vertical_timeline_item][et_pb_vertical_timeline_item title=”Driving Privileges | 2009″ use_read_more=”off” circle_color=”#ffffff” animation=”off” _builder_version=”3.2.2″ headings_font=”Montserrat|600|||||||” headings_text_color=”#007a1c” headings_font_size=”27px” headings_font_size_tablet=”27px” headings_font_size_phone=”27px”] Requires DHS to provide assistance to foster youth in obtaining a driver’s license. [/et_pb_vertical_timeline_item][/et_pb_vertical_timeline]
Trey H.
Pronouns: he/his
“What I love about OFYC is that the cause is good and genuine. We believe that Oregon foster youth – and, truly, all foster youth around the world- deserve to be happy and treated with care.”

About Trey!
Trey H.
Pronouns: He/His
Trey, who has been a member of OFYC since 2017, learned about the organization through his peers in the Independent Living Program. “Once I was educated on what OFYC is and what they do, I didn’t hesitate to contact someone to see about joining,” he recalls.
He went on to say that, “OFYC has given me many opportunities. I’ve been able to share my opinions and ideas with masses of people. Because of OFYC, I’ve gotten to do things I only hoped of doing when I was younger, like having a direct impact on the system in Oregon. Because of them, I’ve been able to meet with state representatives and, not to mention, the governor!
In the time that Trey has been a part of OFYC, he has been able to participate in a number of Action Opportunities within the program. He has attended the bi-annual Policy Conference in 2018, participated in the Advocacy Convening Conference and the Advocacy Day at the Capitol 2019, and has had the opportunity to meet with state representatives. Additionally, he got the chance to travel to California in November of 2018 where he attended the Leaders for Change (L4C) Conference, and got to meet and work with foster youth from all over the country, as well as some from Canada.
When asked about his feelings toward OFYC, Trey responded that, “What I love about OFYC is that the cause is good and genuine. We believe that not just Oregon foster youth, but all foster youth around the world deserve to be happy and treated with care. I’ve also learned a lot about myself as a person and as a leader. I used to think that I didn’t have it in me to speak in front of a lot of people, but I’ve had many opportunities to do so, so I ended up proving myself wrong.
Outside of OFYC, Trey does photography and graphic design when he’s not working at his job at Starbucks. Some other hobbies of his include writing poetry and song lyrics. Trey is also currently a student at Portland Community College, where he’d like to work toward a degree in either Photography or Graphic Design.
“With whatever I do end up achieving,” he says, “I just want to make a positive impact. Helping others is what I live for.”
You can also check out Trey’s photography on Instagram, @ripcityphotos
Caytlyn W.
Pronouns: she/her
“ OFYC taught me that, even though I am a single person, one voice is strong, but multiple voices are powerful. I’ve learned that, even though I’m a shy person, I have a strong drive to help others who don’t know how to say they need help.”

About Caytlyn!
Caytlyn W.
Pronouns: she/her
Caytlyn, who has been an active member of OFYC for a little over a year now, first heard about the program from her caseworker. Although she was a little unsure about joining at first, she attended her first event, the DREAM conference in 2017, and has been in love with the organization ever since.
“I honestly love the people and what they have to offer,” Caytlyn says about OFYC. “I also love how, even if we all had different experiences, we are still close and have fun.”
Since becoming a member, Caytlyn has had the opportunity to work on trying to get the age range extended for the Independent Living Program (ILP), as well as helping to obtain funding for the ILP. She’s also helped with interviewing a candidate for the Child Welfare Director position, and was part of a group called Foster Homes of Healing, which worked to help make legislators more aware of how culturally diverse foster homes should be.
OFYC has had a big impact on Caytlyn’s life as well. “OFYC has helped me come out of my shell and made me who I am today,” she reflects. “It has opened so many doors for me, and I love talking about OFYC to people who are not aware of what’s going on, or to those who are just curious.”
Caytlyn also stated that OFYC has taught her a lot about standing up and speaking out. “I’ve learned that, even though I am a single person, one voice is strong, but multiple voices are powerful. I’ve learned that, even though I’m a shy person, I have a strong drive to help others who don’t know how to say they need help.”
Outside of OFYC, Caytlyn goes to school and works part-time. She also helps with the Foster Parent Training down in Lincoln County, attends ILP conferences, and spends time with her family. Her plan is to continue to be a part of OFYC until she is 25, after which she still hopes to be involved in any way she can.
Viktoria R.
Pronouns: she/her
“OFYC set me up to be confident and relate to people really well in a professional setting, and the connections I’ve made with other OFYC members are very special. It’s a very supportive and caring community, and they made me feel better as a person and what I’ve experienced, and gave me a lot of coping mechanisms as well.”

About Viktoria!
Viktoria R.
Pronouns: she/her
Viktoria first heard about OFYC when she was still part of the Independent Living Program back in 2015. She decided to join because of OFYC’s mission, as well as the values the program holds. She believes that OFYC is a really good avenue for creating changes in the foster care system.
Since joining OFYC, Viktoria has taken part in quite a few Action Opportunities. She’s gotten to help set up the bi-annual Policy Conference, which was also the first function she attended as a member. She has participated in numerous speaking events with colleges and universities, was part of the Systems of Care Advisory Committee, served as a co-chair and a member for the Oregon Trauma Advocacy Coalition, and was part of the leadership team for Trauma Informed Oregon.
When asked what she loves most about OFYC, Viktoria replied that, “they actually make changes,” referring to OFYC’s part in the Foster Bill of Rights, as well as the Sibling Bill of Rights. She goes on to say that, “I like that they connect youth with people who are going to help them later on in life. They also help youth build confidence to share their story, and set youth up to be successful.”
Viktoria also feels that OFYC has had a large impact on her life, saying, “they set me up to be confident and relate to people really well in a professional setting, and the connections I’ve made with other OFYC members are very special. It’s a very supportive and caring community, and they made me feel better as a person and what I’ve experienced, and gave me a lot of coping mechanisms as well.”
“I’ve learned that I’m a stronger person than I thought I was,” she continues. “I’ve learned that it’s okay to enjoy life, to reach out to people, and that anyone can be a leader. It doesn’t take a special person, just a person with drive. OFYC taught me how to focus and do things that are about more than just myself.”
Outside of OFYC, some of Viktoria’s hobbies include biking, running, hiking, cooking, baking, and volunteering on farms. She also works full-time in a doctor’s office, where she runs the medical-legal department. She is hoping to go back to school in the Fall of 2019 and study law.
Maddy L.
Pronouns: she/her
“I love the community OFYC has given me. They’ve empowered me beyond words and given me a new sense of what it means to be a former foster youth.”

About Maddy!
Maddy L.
Pronouns: she/her
Maddy joined OFYC in 2018 after learning about the program through the Portland State Advisory Board she was working with at the time. Originally, she was only going to attend the bi-annual Policy Conference happening that Summer, but, after learning more about OFYC, she decided she wanted to become a member instead.
Since joining OFYC, Maddy has been able to help plan the bi-annual Policy Conference, attend the January Convening Conference, as well as travel to Washington D.C., joining the American Institute of Research as a researcher on how youth make decisions, and has conducted caseworker trainings.
“I love the community and opportunities OFYC has given me,” Maddy says. “It has empowered me beyond words and given me a new sense of what it means to be a former foster youth. If it wasn’t for OFYC, being a former foster youth would be something I was still embarrassed about, which I know now I have nothing to be embarrassed about.”
Maddy goes on to say that, “OFYC has really helped me grow as a leader. I never would have thought I’d have the courage or ability to speak in front of legislators or senators. OFYC gave me the tools I needed to become a better leader and speaker, and be able to talk to anyone.”
In the fall of 2019, Maddy will be attending school at Georgetown University as a freshman, where she wants to major in government, and minor in social justice and peace studies. She hopes to eventually write policies, and continue her passion for improving the lives of foster youth.
Hanna D.
Pronouns: she/her
“Being an OFYC member has also helped me build a bigger support network, along with building new friendships that I hope will last a very long time.”

About Hanna!
I decided to join OFYC to become an advocate for foster youth, and to hopefully help current and future foster youth while they’re in care. My neighbor started telling me about OFYC and what the organization does, and I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of this.
My first experience as a member of OFYC was attending the 2019 Advocacy Convening Conference back in January. I was also voted into the Legislative Action team, which gave me and 4 other members of OFYC the amazing opportunity to write multiple testimonies, and testify at the capitol. The five of us got the chance to be lobbyists for the 2019 Legislative Session, and were given the chance to speak to multiple legislators and representatives discussing our Independent Living Program bill, and support other bills.
What I love about being an OFYC member is being able to use my voice to help current and future foster youth while they go through their trials and tribulations in the system. Also, to help the system itself change for the better. That way, current foster youth can have a smooth exit out, and aren’t being thrown around from placement to placement, like I was.
OFYC has impacted my life by helping me discover new passions, as well as using my voice to be able to write testimonies and testify in front of multiple people. Being an OFYC member has also helped me build a bigger support network, along with building new friendships that I hope will last a very long time. Since joining OFYC, I have learned more about speaking up for myself and others around me, and I am not ashamed of being a foster youth anymore. I am confident in talking about my experiences and how I ended up in care.
Outside of OFYC I love playing sports, and I am also a photographer, and always taking opportunities to get that perfect shot. Currently, I am working on going back to college at PCC to get my Associate’s Degree in sign language, as well as finishing my general studies. Then, I’d like to transfer to WOU to get my double Bachelor’s in teaching and in sign language. I have always loved working with kids and young adults, and hope to take my own experiences and help future generations master this thing we call life.
Kathleen R.
Pronouns: she/her
“I have learned to stand up for myself and my rights as a foster youth. Being in OFYC has really helped me understand that I want to continue to advocate for foster youth as I grow older.”

About Kathleen!
Kathleen joined OFYC because she wanted to create change within the system to ensure future foster youth feel safe and secure. “My experience in the foster care system has not always been pleasant which was what led me to join OFYC,” she recalls.
As a member of OFYC, Kathleen has been able to contribute to helping foster youth through attending policy conferences, meeting with the director of Oregon’s Child Welfare system, and even giving advice to current or new foster parents.
OFYC helped Kathleen grow and provided a platform for her to share her story to a wide audience, ranging from the leaders at the Department of Human Services to foster parents. Being a part of OFYC has helped Kathleen figure out what she wants to do as a career which is to help former and future foster youth.
When asked about what she learned as an OFCY member, Kathleen answered with, “I have learned to stand up for myself and my rights as a foster youth. Being in OFYC has really helped me understand that I want to continue to advocate for foster youth as I grow older.”
Outside of OFYC, Kathleen attends University of Oregon full time where she is double majoring in Indigenous, Race and Ethnic Studies and English. She is also the Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordiantor at the UO Women’s Center. Currently, she has been working as a Policy Coordinator Intern at the Oregon Student Association where she advocates for the most equitable and accessible environment for students of ALL backgrounds. In addition, she is also a member of student government at the University of Oregon. She enjoys hanging out with her cat Jojo, making all kinds of art including wire jewelry, macrame for her many plants, and embroidery.
“For the future, I plan to move to Portland and work at a nonprofit”, she says, “I want to help advocate and create better environments for historically silenced and marginalized communities.”
Hannah R.
Pronouns: she/her
“I love being able to be a part of a group that values my voice and the voice of others.”

About Hannah!
I heard about OFYC from my Independent Living Program caseworker, and I joined this group because I was interested in leadership work and making a difference in foster care.
As a member of OFYC, I have attended various types of meetings and last year, I joined the Foster Homes of Healing coalition. I’ve met with legislators regarding the SB 745, and have worked with Foster Homes of Healing to provide better training for foster parents in Oregon, so that foster parents can provide more trauma informed care to foster youth.
I love being a member of OFYC because I get to stay up to date with current foster care happenings, and I get to be involved in committees and focus groups that focus on foster care improvement. Since I joined OFYC a little over two years ago, I have gotten so many opportunities to engage in foster care improvement. I have learned that it is important for foster youth to be able to use their voice and speak out about what is working and what is not working in foster care. I love being able to be a part of a group that values my voice and the voice of others.
While I am not spending my time with OFYC, I am a senior studying Biology at Oregon State University, where I am soon to graduate. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, playing volleyball, running, and tutoring. I plan to continue my education in grad school next year to obtain my Master’s of Education so that I can become a high school / college-level Biology teacher.
Macy B.
Pronouns: they/them
“OFYC has made me feel like I can be assertive and stand up for myself. It has made me more outgoing and self-positive.“

About Macy!
Macy B.
Pronouns: they/them
Macy first decided to join OFYC when they were recruited by another current member who was in her English class at the time. “He recruited me due to all of my essays being about bettering foster care and foster youth, and explaining the problems that foster youth face.”
Since joining OFYC, Macy has had the opportunity to attend OFYC’s three day Advocacy Convening to work on their legislative concept to expand ILP services, and has also attended Governor Brown’s Child Welfare Oversight Board meetings, Oregon’s Foster Care Ombudsman meetings, which is a department within Child Welfare that operates the Youth Empowerment and Safety (Y.E.S.) phone line to help foster youth, foster parents, caseworkers, etc, advocate for any issues the foster youth may be having.
“I love speaking up for all of these youth and trying to make a change,” Macy says. “I love being a part of trying to create a better future!”
When describing the impact that OFYC has had on their life, Macy added that, “OFYC has made me feel like I can be assertive and stand up for myself. It has made me more outgoing and self-positive.”
Macy also shared that, “I learned that being a leader has made me even more motivated to stand up for youth, if that’s possible, and make a difference for the future.”
Apart from OFYC, Macy enjoys art and hiking. They are currently enrolled in Chemeketa Community College, where they are on the swim team. They hope to one day work for social services.
Glayz W.
Pronouns: she/her
“I have learned that my voice matters. I can make a change in a lot of things just by speaking up.”

About Glayz!
Glayz had no idea what OFYC was when she first joined. She decided to check it out because she likes helping people, and it just stuck. Glayz has participated in several OFYC Policy Conferences and Advocacy Convenings, where she has helped to formulate and refine policy recommendations and the bills that OFYC takes through the legislative process.
“My favorite things about the Policy Conference is the different dynamic of people that show up each year and the amount of change that we’re able to make from our different ideas,” says Glayz. “One real thing I learned at the Conference was that you don’t have to pretend to be someone else to fit in. Just be yourself and people will flock to you.”
Glayz is currently going to school to become a peer support therapist and is looking for housing in order to live on her own.
Raven S.
Pronouns: she/her
“OFYC is like my family — we can all relate in some way. Speaking up for myself and others has made me a stronger person, knowing I am not alone.”

About Raven!
Raven joined OFYC in 2014 and has been involved in a number of activities and events, including the bi-annual Policy Conference and the Advisory Committee. Raven has also been instrumental in developing and passing several bills impacting foster care, including the Savings Account bill in 2015 and the Sibling Bill of Rights in 2017. One of her proudest moments was working on the Sibling Bill of Rights, which ensures that siblings are supported in staying together as they navigate the foster care system.
“What I love about OFYC is we all feel like a family,” says Raven. “No one in OFYC has to feel alone because we all understand. We work together to make a change within the child welfare system, speaking up for those who have no voice or are afraid to speak out. Because of OFYC, I’m no longer afraid to speak up for myself about what I think is right for me.”
Outside of OFYC, Raven is the Communications Intern at DHS Child Welfare. In the evening, she’s working as a paraprofessional who is responsible to develop, pursue and achieve goals through high-quality ABA Therapy with children with autism. Raven loves to paint, listen to music, and spend time with friends
More coming soon! Are you an OFYC member who would like to have your story on this page? Reach out so we can add you! |
Do You Have Questions About OFYC?
Read our FAQ
What is OFYC?
We are a statewide, youth led advocacy group of current and former foster between the ages of 14 and 25. Members shape every aspect of what OFYC is, how it is structured, which policies we work on, and what activities we participate in. With support and training from Foster Youth in Action (FYA) and OFYC staff, members are empowered and given the tools they need to actively participate in the development of policies, programs, and practices that improve the lives of thousands of youth in Oregon’s foster care system.
Who can be a member?
If you are a current or former foster youth between the ages of 14 and 25, you can apply to be a member! Maybe you were adopted or are now in a guardianship, you are welcome too! All you have to do is fill out the application here. We can provide assistance if you need support in filling out the application.
I want to connect youth to OFYC. What should I do?
If you know current and/or former foster youth and would like to connect them to OFYC, help youth fill out our “More Information” form. You can also sign up to receive emails about opportunities for youth to participate…and help them get to an activity.
What do OFYC members do?
Members take action and make change in lots of different ways. From our unique perspective as youth who have experienced foster care, we participate in child welfare advisory meetings, provide education on foster care issues, and advocate for policy change in the Oregon Legislature. We build community with foster youth from all walks of life while learning how to communicate effectively, problem-solve, and work on a team to achieve our goals.
Do I have to be a member to get involved?
Nope. If you are a current or former foster youth, you can join our Facebook group or sign up to receive emails about the different things we are doing. Jump in when you have time and something sounds interesting!
What is the OFYC Advisory Committee?
Our OFYC Advisory Committee is a group of youth, young adults, and supportive adults who work together to make decisions about the OFYC program and its future. In partnership with our staff and members, the Advisory Committee ensures we follow the vision and mission of OFYC, guides the strategic visioning for OFYC’s future, and helps to prioritize program activities and efforts.