Voce Together

06/24/2026

“I feel like I’ve lived 50 lifetimes. I was born in Liberia, lived in Ghana and Canada, and now call Philadelphia home. Moving around gives you a sense of your place in the world. I’ve learned to be grateful for the small things. My big problems were not unsurmountable.

I’ve had many people influence my journey. I really like people who are passionate about what they do, and my under-grad advisor lived and breathed political science. He persuaded me to major in political science and minor in history and international studies.

Whenever anyone asked, I told them I was going to law school. That had always been my plan. My junior year, I interned with Senator Hughes and because I had spent time in foster care, I was invited to participate in permanency roundtable discussions. From there, Cindy Gore encouraged me to work as a youth ambassador for the Child Welfare Resource Center. I also got my MPA at West Chester University, but law school was still my plan.

Through CWRC, I learned about Voce and was hired as a paralegal assigned to the Philadelphia Department of Human Services in 2022. That role helped me understand how everything in child welfare tied together. I recently transitioned to become a technical assistant, and I’m appreciating working in a more intimate role with provider agencies. I remember once speaking with a woman at a homeless shelter who described herself as ‘in transition.’ That stuck with me. I think of myself—and all of us, really—as in transition.

One of my mentors taught me that having the willingness to do something matters more than having the means. Six years ago, I founded a grassroots nonprofit called Be The Blessing to help better the community. We put a call out for donations which we used to feed the homeless, provide back-to-school supplies and do clean-up days. You can put me anywhere. I’ll always try to make a place better than I found it.”

-Amah, Technical Assistant

06/21/2026

This Father's Day, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, caregivers, and positive male role models who help children feel safe, supported, and valued.

At Voce, we know that children thrive when they are surrounded by caring adults who show up, listen, encourage, and lead with compassion. The men in our organization bring those qualities to their work every day, helping build stronger families, stronger communities, and brighter futures for children.

Today, we recognize and appreciate all the men who make a positive difference in the lives of children—at home, at work, and throughout our communities.

Happy Father's Day from all of us at Voce.

06/11/2026

The theme of this year's Forum on Pennsylvania's Children was The Power of Us and throughout the day, that power was on full display.

Professionals from education, healthcare, child welfare, behavioral health, and community organizations came together to share ideas, build relationships, and explore how we can better support children and families affected by trauma.

Three of the biggest takeaways?

Healing happens through connection.

Communities are strongest when every voice is heard.

And lasting change requires all of us working together to build systems that support prevention, healing, and resilience.

Read more about the key themes that emerged from this year's Forum: https://vocetogether.org/voices.html/article/2026/06/08/three-takeaways-from-the-forum-on-pennsylvania-s-children

06/10/2026

“I grew up in Huntingdon. I was one of those kids who left for college and said I’d never go back. When my dad was sick, I returned to help my parents with their business. I’ve been here since.
I went to Shippensburg University to study psychology. My dad’s side of the family had struggled with various mental health conditions. I wanted to understand it better so I could help others who went through what I did.

Once I moved home, the bills were coming due and I was looking for a job. At that time, my brother was dating the daughter of a judge. The judge encouraged me to apply at the children and youth office because ‘they really needed help.’ In college, I worked as a therapeutic support specialist, which took me into other people’s houses. That experience made me appreciate the home life I had been given. I wanted to continue helping others, so I applied.

The first year was rough. As a person living in this community, I was shocked by the things I learned were happening around me, both in and out of the office. I started as caseworker, was promoted to a supervisor within a year, and held that role for twelve years. Even as a casework supervisor, I gravitated to the legal aspects of the job.

Burnout was very real. When a paralegal position opened, I saw an opportunity to do more of what I enjoyed while still helping families.

All total, I’ve worked in the county for almost 25 years. Staff sometimes come to me and ask what I remember about families we’ve served—multiple generations of the same family. Wherever kids land, you hope you’ve given them enough information to succeed, just like you do with your own kids.

Taking care of family is the way it should be. We built an addition on our house, and my mom is moving in with us. We also gather up my husband’s uncle and take him everywhere with us. There’s a place here for him to move in when he’s ready. Sometimes the tv is a little loud, but that’s okay.”

- Steph, Paralegal

06/08/2026

Thank you to Capital Blue Cross and Low V Systems for supporting the 2026 Forum on Pennsylvania’s Children as Healing Hero Sponsors.

Your sponsorship helped make this year’s Forum possible, bringing together professionals from across Pennsylvania who are committed to healing trauma, strengthening systems of care, and improving outcomes for children and families.

We are grateful for your impact in this important work and for helping create a space for meaningful learning, connection, and collaboration.

06/02/2026

🙌

🌈 June is Pride Month, a time to recognize the importance of dignity, safety, and belonging for LGBTQ+ children, youth, and families, and to uplift the communities working to create affirming spaces for all.

At PennCAC, we believe every child deserves access to trauma-informed care in environments rooted in respect, compassion, and acceptance. Healing happens when children feel seen, supported, and safe to be themselves.

Within Pennsylvania’s Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs), that work is ongoing every day, ensuring children and families have access to coordinated services that center healing and hope, without barriers to care.

As Pride Month begins, we reaffirm our commitment to supportive communities where every child can move forward on a safe path toward healing.

Learn more about Pride events in our region:
https://www.visitpa.com/events/annual/pride/

06/02/2026

05/29/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the 4th Forum on Pennsylvania's Children.

Our theme, “The Power of Us,” was brought to life as leaders, advocates, educators, service providers, policymakers, and community members embraced the power of collaboration to improve outcomes for Pennsylvania's children and families.

Throughout the day, we engaged in meaningful conversations about the challenges facing children today and the strengths and supports present in our communities that can be harnessed for change.

Special thanks to our speakers, panelists, partners, sponsors, and attendees for sharing their expertise, insights, and passion.

The work doesn't end with the Forum. We’re committed to helping turn ideas into action and look forward to what transpires in the months ahead!

05/27/2026

“I love my job, but it’s not like I woke up one day and said, ‘I want to work for a non-profit as a child welfare paralegal.’ I went to a college prep type of high school in Massachusetts, and I remember getting called down to the office because I didn’t have a plan. I love learning, it just took me a while to find a career path.

I did things backwards from most. I started a family and then I went back to school. Sometimes you need life to find your focus. I sat back and REALLY thought about what interests me and law came to mind. I earned my associate’s degree in paralegal studies, and in 2024 I got my bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Widener. For a long time, I felt like I had a habit of starting something and not following through, so I wanted to prove to myself that I could reach this goal.

This job isn’t for everyone. It requires empathy deep within your soul. You have to be strong in a way you never thought. You have to have an open, welcoming, non-judgmental mindset. It can be tricky because we don’t always know for certain what’s best for a kid.

When I go to court, suddenly the names I see on paper come to life. I see faces, family dynamics, and emotions, and it brings it all to life. It keeps me connected and focused on a mission. I’m just a tiny piece of a big puzzle, but I’m contributing something to these kids and to society.”

- Cara, Paralegal

05/21/2026

The Forum on Pennsylvania’s Children is just one week away — and there’s still time to join us!

This full-day event brings together professionals from across sectors who are committed to understanding trauma, strengthening systems of care, and building solutions that make a real difference for children and families across Pennsylvania.

From practical strategies to meaningful connections, the Forum offers space to learn, reflect, and collaborate alongside others who share your purpose. If your work touches the lives of children or families, this is a day you won’t want to miss. Lunch and refreshments are included, and the event qualifies for CE credits.

Forum on Pennsylvania’s Children

Thursday, May 28, 2026
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Wyndham Garden, York, PA

Secure your spot today! https://vocetogether.org/programs/fpac.html