When I Was Placed In Foster Care I Was Very Young

by Selita Ebanks

The evening of April 8th couldn’t get here fast enough as it was the New Yorkers for Children’s Fool Fete, which is a fantastic spring dance gala started by a brilliant man named Nicholas Scoppetta. He and I share something very special; we were once both in the foster care system.

When I was placed in foster care, I was very young and didn’t have the best memories. I think that is the exact reason why he started the New Yorkers for Children organization. The program works with and manages over 16,000 children in foster care in NYC. They improve the lives of children and families who are served by the Administration for Children’s Services by providing the private resources needed to assist Children’s Services and to increase awareness of child welfare issues. They provide scholarships, mentoring, proper child/sibling management as well as life opportunity and packages so young people can continue their education.