Dear Friend,
Carlos,* who grew up in an Indigenous community in Central America, arrived at our border with his older brother to seek safety. But immigration officials separated the brothers, placing Carlos in a shelter and his brother in immigration jail. Carlos was devastated by this unexpected separation. Young Center Child Advocates quickly went to work, winning his release from custody and reunification with family where he could recover from multiple traumas.
Tamana,* a teenage girl from Afghanistan, was evacuated to the United States with her younger siblings in September. Once here, she was sent to an emergency intake center that lacked the cultural services she needed to feel safe and comfortable. A Young Center Child Advocate worked hard to secure her release to her older sister, who was evacuated separately and was living on a U.S. military base, so they could begin resettling in the United States together.
Miguel* is a transgender teenager who struggled in government custody, where he lacked the services and support he needed. A Young Center Child Advocate worked to connect Miguel with counseling and to secure recommended hormone treatment therapy through an organization in Chicago that provides health services to the LGBTQIA community. But Miguel didn't have any family to sponsor his release from government custody so his Child Advocate worked with the government to find an LGBTIQIA-welcoming foster couple who would be able to support him.
These are only snippets into the complex and nuanced stories of the children we serve at the Young Center. Each child's story, strengths, and needs are unique, and we meet them where we are needed. We fight for children every step of the way, from getting them into less restrictive shelters to finding them appropriate long-term homes. But I believe the most important thing we do is bear witness to children's journeys by listening to them and being there for them.
We are able to bear witness, speak up, and fight for kids because of your support. Donate now to support the Young Center's work with children, to help us advocate for them in courtrooms, at facilities, and at the national and global policy levels. All donations made on #GivingTuesday are matched dollar for dollar by a Young Center supporter, up to $15,000. We only have a few hours left.
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Thank you so much,
Marisa Chumil
Child Advocate Program Co-Director
*Children's names have been changed to protect their privacy.
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