Transitions for Youth News
Middlesex County Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Art Exhibit
The Middlesex Youth Advisory Board (YAB) hosted its first art exhibit on November 10, 2011 in New Brunswick. The exhibit took place at Alfa Art Gallery, and featured paintings, drawings, sculptures, poetry and other written works created by over 24 young artists that are or had been involved with the Division of Youth and Family Services.
The exhibit was conceived by Middlesex YAB leadership in the spring of 2011, while the Members were doing research on art therapy as a treatment option for young people in foster care. Artists submitted interpretations of their work, as well as recommendations on changes that they feel should be made to Department of Children and Families. The exhibit also featured spoken word poetry and musical performances by several artists.
The exhibit attracted executive leadership from the Department of Children and Families, and independent living staff from throughout the state. Many of the artists attended the event, and were available to speak with administrators about their experiences and suggestions for improvements to child welfare policy and practice. A complete list of the event’s featured artists is available in the Middlesex YAB art exhibit
program brochure
For more information on the exhibit or the Middlesex Youth Advisory Board, please contact Elizabeth Salerno at esalerno@ssw.rutgers.edu.
Future Leader Spotlight: Roscoe Houston
Roscoe Houston is a young man of passion and purpose. Born and raised in Newark, Roscoe spent 11 years in the NJ Foster Care System. A former New Jersey Foster Care Scholar and Essex County Community College student, he now attends San Diego State University. Roscoe continues to be an advocate for young people in foster care, and is in the process of finalizing his inspirational autobiography, "Chronicles of a Foster Child". Click here to read more about Roscoe and his compelling personal story.
Future Leader Spotlight: Wendy Logan
Wendy Logan knows what it means to succeed in the face of adversity. As a child in New Jersey’s foster care system, she struggled to remain positive amidst unstable placements, family tragedy, and responsibilities fitting for a person twice her age. But Wendy never gave up. A former NJFC Scholar and The College of New Jersey graduate, Wendy is preparing to graduate from the Master of Social Work program at the University of Pennsylvania in the spring of 2012. Click here to read more about Wendy's journey.