Conference to Give Foster Families Tips on College, More

Austin, TX – July 27, 2007 – Veronica Lockett was 8 years old when Child Protective Services (CPS) came to her home and split up her five siblings. With her family dispersed in different families, Lockett didn’t have much hope for their future, until she heard they could all attend college for free.

“Going to college was my way of knowing we would have somewhere to go once I left foster care,” she said.

Current Texas law allows foster children to attend an in-state, public university or college for free. More information on this law and other benefits available to foster youth will be offered at “Survivor Independence ACTS 2007”, on Saturday, July 28 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Austin Community College District Eastview Campus, 3401 Webberville Road, room 8500.

The event, designed for foster youth and their caregivers, offers sessions on college, career planning, financial aid and more. “We’re trying to establish a college-going culture among the participants,” said Loretta Edelen, ACC District community outreach director. “We will show them that a college education is attainable and provide them with some interpersonal skills to operate in the real world.”

The Survivor Independence ACTS 2007 Conference is sponsored by ACC’s Foster Care Alumni Program, LifeWorks, Casey Family Programs, and Preparation for Adult Living (PAL). Foster families can contact LifeWorks’ Leslie Gaines at 735.2421 for more information.

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