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Florida’s Children First Honors Advocates and Former Foster Youth at Annual Awards

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida’s Children First has been the voice of at-risk children and youth in the state.

The event recognized remarkable child advocates and former foster youth at the annual Palm Beach County Advocates for Children Awards.

CBS12’s Liz Quirantes was the emcee for the event at the National Croquet Center.
 

Among the honorees, “The Hands and Feet”, an organization that meets the emergency needs of youth and foster families taking in children at any hour of the day or night.

Mike Yackulics was honored for his years of mentorship and guidance to hundreds of young people suffering from trauma and challenges navigating life on their own.

Also celebrated was Jesepi King. Jesepi spent most of his life in foster care and is a rising leader in his Florida Youth SHINE chapter, supporting his peers in care.

by Gershon Harrell 

Wed, October 16th 2024 at 11:42 PM

Updated Thu, October 17th 2024 at 8:20 AM
 



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Alexia Nechayev

FYS Events & Meeting Chair
(Palm Beach)

Hello, My name is Alexia Nechayev. I am 25 years old and I am an alumna of Florida International University where I received my B.A. in Psychology. My future career goal is to be a Lawyer. I was in care for about one year from age 17 to 18. Prior to entering care, I only knew about the negative stigma regarding foster care and while in care that narrative was unfortunately my experience.

In school I felt like I was on display because my status in care was broadcast to other students and in my placement behavior was leveraged for “privileges” that should be a natural right of all children. Because I did not know my rights I did not know that what I was experiencing was wrong. Today this is exactly why I advocate, because I don’t want this to be the same for other youth who are experiencing foster care.

This is my second year on the FYS Statewide Board and I’m happy to be the Events and Meetings Chair this year because my main goal through advocacy is to reach as many people as possible. My favorite thing as a board member is to see how comfortable members become while working together. The community needs to know that youth in foster care are real people, going through some of the hardest moments of their life and youth need to know that their voice is powerful. I believe that we have to speak up and bring these issues to people’s attention so that they do not forget us. Advocacy, education and consistency is the only way.

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