KidsVoice

William tragically lost his parents, who shared their love of music with him. He lost his violin when he entered foster care and with it an important connection to his birth parents. KidsVoice stepped in and found a way to get an instrument back in William's hands. Read more about William's renewed relationship with music and his dreams of passing it on to other kids here --> https://buff.ly/3B0nT61

Children in foster care face unique challenges, but with the proper support, they can overcome them, thrive academically, and form healthier relationships!

KidsVoice advocacy helps create better possibilities for abused and neglected children in the Allegheny County foster care system. We use a multidisciplinary approach to ensure our clients are safe and supported in their unique needs, including education and health. You can help KidsVoice help children in foster care get the care, love, and resources they deserve by supporting us on December 3 during Give Big Pittsburgh!

Over 40% of children in foster care are diagnosed with behavioral health conditions, including ADHD. There is a misconception that children with ADHD can't focus because of their hyperactivity. They can, but how they achieve that focus is different from other people. ADHD affects how they evaluate what to do and when to do it. Tasks are prioritized by emotional importance and interest, not by deadlines. In educational settings, it can be challenging for children with ADHD to stay on task, take tests, and submit assignments on time. Supports such as taking tests in a separate room without distractions, extending assignment deadlines, or assigning them earlier helps students with ADHD to succeed alongside their classmates.

Over 40% of children in foster care are diagnosed with behavioral health conditions, including ADHD, but many people believe the myth that ADHD isn't real. The fact is ADHD cases have been recorded and studied since 1775, and over 10,000 clinical and scientific publications have outlined its definition, symptoms, and impact on children and adults.

Recipient Update ?? KidsVoice continues to do amazing work since receiving our giving circle funds at our Q4 2023 event. Garth Graeper, the Director of Development for KidsVoice shared the following update: "These funds helped KidsVoice pilot a program that focuses on achieving better outcomes for children in foster care by proactively identifying and addressing the needs of their grandparents who are primary caregivers, in addition to the children’s needs. Nearly half of children placed with family members are placed with grandparents, who often do everything they can to keep siblings together but may feel overwhelmed by having to make immediate decisions related to a child’s complex medical needs or their learning disability, for example. KidsVoice helps grandparents address the wide range of a child’s needs, so the grandparents can instead focus on building a safe and positive home life for the child. In another innovative pilot project begun over the past year, KidsVoice is collaborating with UPMC to address the medical needs and gaps in care of former foster youth related to “social determinants of health” in McKeesport and beyond. KidsVoice advocacy helps remove roadblocks for these young adults related to housing, employment, and healthcare engagement. Attached is a photo from our 2024 Kites for Kids event, a fun, annual community event at the Carnegie Science Center that raises awareness about the challenges that children in foster care face. In general, we use a lot of stock art since client-confidentiality prevents us from sharing photos of the children we work with." Please visit the KidsVoice page to learn more about how you can help! #community #childreninneed #nonprofits #pittsburgh

We recently mailed out an update about our work to address our clients' needs, helping each child put the pieces together. The update covers issues KidsVoice has helped our clients face regarding housing, educational support, social justice, and more. You can read the update here! https://lnkd.in/gJ3r7sR8

A heartfelt thank you to KidsVoice for making baked goods for Family House guests! Your generosity and delicious treats brought comfort to our guests. We truly appreciate your kindness and support! ???? Is your group, company, or organization interested in group volunteering? ?? Visit our website to learn more on volunteering Family House to help us provide a "home away from home" for patients and their families who must travel to Pittsburgh for medical treatment: https://lnkd.in/gV672Uyh. #FamilyHousePGH #FamilyHousePittsburgh #FamilyHouse #Pittsburgh #FamilyHouseVolunteers #VolunteerOpportunities #Volunteering

October is ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) awareness month. Awareness is the key to breaking stigmas and myths about any disability. Over 40% of children in foster care are diagnosed with behavioral health conditions, including many with ADHD diagnoses. This month, we are breaking down four common ADHD myths.

KidsVoice organizes an annual resource fair for our clients to learn about career opportunities they may not have considered and to share unique resources. Thank you to 412 Youth Zone, Blue Beauty Bar, Dollar Bank, Educational Liaisons, Dr. Jeff Schoeller, Global Human Performance, My Best Self, OVR, Pathways to Work UPMC, Hair 2 Sole Beauty Studio, HUGH LANE WELLNESS FOUNDATION, Rachel Beals Photography, SWAN, We Rock Academy, and YSP for connecting our clients with the opportunities and services you provide!