We're a foster care nonprofit dedicated to embracing and empowering foster, adoptive and kinship families. The heart of our mission is to provide advocacy and enriching programs and services to empower families and youth to thrive.
(28)
Operating as usual
A foster parent asks, "How do other parents deal with their children's grief around the holidays ? My niece and nephew (5 an 7) have been with me for about a year. They're having a hard time not understanding why they can't be with mom this year. I want the holiday to be special but I also want to honor their pain. Any suggestions?"
Little miss Greta hopes you have an otterly awesome Tuesday! 🦦❤️
#embrella #bulldog #otters #otter #happytuesday #foster #fosteryouth #fostercare #adopt #adoption #kinship #puppy
Want to provide support to foster youth and families??? You can do so on a personal level! Here are some ideas!
We love getting otterly cozied up after a stroll in the snow — what is your favorite snow day activity?
#snowday #snowfall #firstsnow #fostercare #embrella #kinship #love #caring
Wow!
"The number of children in the U.S. foster care system has dropped for a second year in a row, and a record number of children in the child welfare system were able to find adoptive homes, according to new federal data released Monday."
The number of children in the U.S. foster care system has dropped for a second year in a row.
Have you heard this covid adoption story??
We'd love to hear your story, too!! Feel free to message us!
The Liszt family has been fostering for a decade, but the family's dedicated mom, Amy Jandernal-Liszt, was never in it to adopt -- She was just trying to do ...
"For three years, Treehouse has been partnering with the Concerned Lifers Organization inside the Monroe Correctional Facility, with a group of men that call themselves the 'State Raised Working Group.' The first time I heard that term, it stopped me in my tracks."
#fostercare #kinshipcare #kinship #foster #fostertoprisonpipeline
Until we address the systemic and institutional racism deeply embedded in our systems, this injustice will endure, writes Lisa Chin.
Rodericka Carter, a former foster youth in Florida, is using her skills to gain stability that she didn't have growing up.
“'I’m good at chemistry from the grades I was seeing, from the A’s I was getting,; she said. “'from then on I wanted to become a chemical engineer and with the money I would make I want to open up my own group home.' She’s enrolled at Miami Dade College now.
#truestories #fostercare #formerfosteryouth #agingout #kinship
Rodericka Carter, 21, lives in an almost empty apartment high up over Brickell. Although she has lived there about a year, her belongings are limited to a couch, a television and plastic containers that fill the corners of the rooms.
A foster parent asks, "It's that time of year again...While the holidays can be fun-filled, I've found that my 8-year-old foster daughter can get upset after any change from the routine. Usually the day after a holiday she will be extra sensitive and prone to meltdowns. Has anyone else experienced this? Any tips for dealing with it?"
How are you getting into the holiday spirit this year???
#holidays #winter #famiy #fostercare #fostering #kinshipcare
Happy Monday! Here's a fun story to start off the week ❤️
Maine man re-creates scene from Elf when meeting biological father for first time.
Mary Keane, a senior advisor at You Gotta Believe, a New York-based organization that works to place foster youth with permanent families, (and a foster parent) speaks about the nearly 1/3 of LGBTQIA youth in foster care in New York!
#love #fostercare #family #commitment #LGBTQIA
According to a recent study, more than a third of kids in New York City's foster care system identify as LGBTQ. Most of those children end up in group homes and treatment centers, rather than finding permanent homes with families. Ivette Feliciano speaks with Mary Keane of You Gotta Believe, a New Y...
Have you read this amazing story?
#fostercare #reunify #adoption
Foster care, adoption, breast cancer, job loss, Covid-19, and buying a home -- Lisa and her family handled it all in three short years.
A foster parent asks, "we are meeting a possible teen placement next week over zoom. Does anyone have any advice or experience they can share? It’s a potential adoption or guardianship and I am so nervous. I’m worried it will be awkward or she will take one look at us and change her mind. I’m sure she has the same fears. Zoom isn’t ideal but because of covid it is the only way we can meet."
"'The thing I love about her most is how resilient she is,' Katie Holstein told "Good Morning America." "Even though she's been in foster care for so long only to be disappointed, she took a chance on me and my family and let herself be loved again.'"
Akyra Holstein was adopted in Kentucky on Sept. 25 by Katie Holstein. Akyra had gone through 24 different placements over 3,739 days.
Happy GIVING TUESDAY. While lots of things look different this year, one thing that hasn't changed is that your support matters. You can make a difference by donating to embrella to help us support kids in care.
Head over to https://www.embrella.org/donate-now/ ❤️❤️❤️
We understand how difficult these days have been. In honor of this #GivingTuesdayNow, please give if you can, to help our families.
Follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers?source=search_shortcut and select embrella as the nonprofit to donate to this holiday season.
Happy Cyber Monday! Take embrella home with you this holiday season. Every purchase from our organization supports foster youth and families throughout New Jersey. Head over to embrella.org/shop/ for some goodies!
Theres a new episode of What the Foster! Eric Liszt had been a foster parent for six years when he met his foster daughter, who we will call Angelica to protect her privacy. She was only four, but she was already experiencing intense psychological distress, and was hospitalized multiple times. It wasn't long before he was traveling internationally to try to reunify her with her father, hoping that the family connection would be what she needed to thrive.
#fostercare #fosterparents #podcast #truestories
What the Foster? is a foster care podcast dedicated to telling the real life stories of those involved in the foster care system.
So many of our parents are always thinking of giving, and here are some great ways to give back during this very different-looking holiday season.
#holidays #givingback #fostercare #Casa
Educate a girl. Send a young person to college. Restore a person’s sight.
Have you read this woman's amazing story?
Foster care, adoption, breast cancer, job loss, Covid-19, and buying a home -- Lisa and her family handled it all in three short years.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday ❤️
A foster parent asks, "What are other parents plans for Thanksgiving? I have a 6-year-old FD and 7-year-old FS. We are not gathering with family because of covid. We are making our traditional meal at home, but I want to make things feel special still. Any ideas?"
Penn Student Mackenzie Fierceton is a former foster youth who has been awarded the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship! "The postgraduate award allows recipients to study for free at Oxford University in England. Fierceton is one of only 32 American Rhodes Scholars who will begin studying at Oxford in 2021"
#fostercare #formerfosteryouth #fostering
Though overjoyed by the prestigious academic achievement, Mackenzie Fierceton said: “I would trade all of this to have been adopted and have a family."
Our Director of Scholarship Programs, Marjorie, spoke at a meeting of The Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. last Wednesday ❤️ We love the chance to engage with community organizations! Thanks for having us!
Thank you Marjorie Blicharz, M.Ed, Director of Scholarship Programs for Embrella, for speaking at Wednesday evening’s November GMM about Embrella with our members!
About Embrella: “Founded in 1972 and incorporated in 1974, embrella, formerly Foster and Adoptive Family Services, is the leading statewide advocacy agency for foster, adoptive and kinship parents in NJ. Our Mission is to provide advocacy and enriching programs and services to empower families and youth to thrive. We help foster children achieve their dreams and wishes.” https://www.embrella.org
Inquires are still closed for those interested in becoming a foster parent.
However, when DCF reopens inquiries sometime in 2021, please be aware they will focus mostly on families who are willing and able to provide a loving home to our youth who have complex developmental and medical needs.
We know that personally this may be disappointing news to those of you looking forward to becoming foster families. But please understand that overall this is good news for the kids of New Jersey. The number of youth in foster care continues to be reduced in NJ each year because of the state's focus on kinship placements. This means more positive outcomes, and brighter future, for these kids.
Learn more about why foster care agencies across the country, including NJ, prioritize kinship placements by watching the video below.
While Lisa's goals to reunify her two foster kids haven't turned out as planned, she's gotten used to expecting the unexpected. Especially after successfully raising a daughter that she had as a teenager.
"So, at eighteen, Lisa was a single-mom, attending community college-classes and trying to figure out a life path for herself. She vividly remembers listening to the wailing of her baby while pacing through the house. Unable to contain her own sobs, she called her mother for advice. “The only way I did it was through support,” she said. “I had a very supportive family.”
Check out the full story here: https://www.futureisfamily.org/
Are you ready for another Future is Family???~ When our digital content creator saw Lisa's Instagram, she was struck by the smiling faces and impeccably designed rooms. When she got to speak to Lisa over Zoom, she found out how much more there was to this story. Cancer, foster care and job loss during covid 19 -- this family has seen it all. Check out their story: https://www.futureisfamily.org/
#fostercare #adoption #kinship #fosterparents #parenting #covid #coronavirus #family
FosterClub
Did you know that current/former #fosteryouth may be eligible to receive their own $1200 stimulus check?
If you haven't gotten yours yet, there's still time to register with the IRS - but you'll have to hurry.
#stimuluscheck #fosteryouthvoices
https://tinyurl.com/FYstimulus1
Some tips for staying outside this winter!
#parenting #playing #fostercare #kinship #kinshipcare
Hardened athletes and explorers weigh in on how to keep your kids warm.
Did you know we have merch??? Get yours here: https://www.embrella.org/shop/
We had such a great time getting to know Jahaad and telling his story ❤️ Do you know anyone who would be willing to share their story? Feel free to message us!
After being removed from his parents at age two, Jahaad spent his formative years living with different family members. He struggled with his mental health a...
"Lackey’s own family were her muses, particularly an aunt and uncle who were the inspiration for the foster parents she created in 'All the Impossible Things.'"
Lindsay Lackey held onto the idea for her debut young adult book for years, but she never let herself write it.
Happy Monday! Just a reminder that our Family Support Advocates are just a call away! ❤️
They're just a call away! We know times are tough right now, so if you're an NJ Resource parent with a question or concern, feel free to reach out at 609-520...
It's National Adoption Awareness Month! It's important to remember that adoptees may face nuanced mental health challenges in light of their experiences. Providing adoptees with the support they need to process their experiences is vital. (Thanks to I Am Adopted for this post 🌸)
#adoption #adoptee #fostercare #fostering
People have no idea how much adoptees struggle with their mental health.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you are not informed about this already, adoptees are 4X more likely to attempt suicide than those not adopted, and adoptees have higher rates of depression and addiction than those not adopted.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Adoptees are in crisis. There isn’t a day that goes by that I do not receive a message from an adoptee struggling with suicidal ideation or sharing with me that they have attempted suicide before. In the past six months, I have had to report suicide threats and contact families that their child has made a threat and has a plan. Police have been called. These messages have increased immensely throughout 2020 as we deal with racial injustice, racism, and the pandemic. What is common between all of the adoptees I work with is that the majority of their adoptive families have NO IDEA that their child is struggling with their mental health.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Adoptees are silently struggling with no support and little to no access to resources: adoption trauma informed therapist, medication, or financial means to participate in therapy or wellness programs.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It is time we begin to acknowledge that adoption is trauma so that we can get adoptees the resources they need to be able to cope with their trauma and to live healthy lives.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I kindly ask that you will continue to help support my work of helping and mentoring adoptees and educating adoptive families. Your donation allows me to be on standby to help adoptees in crisis get the resources they need and most importantly be available to LISTEN to adoptees. Most adoptees that are struggling or in crisis just need someone to listen to them, and it helps when it is someone that has been there before. Thank you for your contributions.
Venmo: @iamadopted
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Cashapp: $iamadopted
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Paypal: [email protected]
Thank you to those that continue to support and donate to I Am Adopted it is with your help that I can continue to be of help to those that need it most.
*Please consider sharing this post*
101 College Road, Floor 3
Princeton, NJ
08540
| Monday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00 - 16:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Embrella posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Embrella:
Happy GIVING TUESDAY. While lots of things look different this year, one thing that hasn't changed is that your support matters. You can make a difference by donating to embrella to help us support kids in care. Head over to https://www.embrella.org/donate-now/ ❤️❤️❤️
Inquires are still closed for those interested in becoming a foster parent. However, when DCF reopens inquiries sometime in 2021, please be aware they will focus mostly on families who are willing and able to provide a loving home to our youth who have complex developmental and medical needs. We know that personally this may be disappointing news to those of you looking forward to becoming foster families. But please understand that overall this is good news for the kids of New Jersey. The number of youth in foster care continues to be reduced in NJ each year because of the state's focus on kinship placements. This means more positive outcomes, and brighter future, for these kids. Learn more about why foster care agencies across the country, including NJ, prioritize kinship placements by watching the video below.
We know things are hard right now. Have a question or concern? Give us a call at 609-520-1500
The Liszt family has been fostering for a decade, but the family's dedicated mom, Amy Jandernal-Liszt, was never in it to adopt -- She was just trying to do right by kids in need. But when a placement needed a permanent home, the right thing turned out to be adoption. Then only thing standing between them was, well, Covid-19.
Keep an eye out for their full video!!! The Liszt family has been fostering for a decade, but the family's dedicated mom, Amy Jandernal-Liszt, was never in it to adopt -- She was just trying to do right by kids in need. But when a placement needed a permanent home, the right thing turned out to be adoption. Then only thing standing between them was, well, Covid-19.
Carly and Bethany were on a roller coaster ride trying to adopt their foster daughter, Shay. Even after Shay's biological mom surrendered her rights, the couple wasn't sure that she'd end up as their daughter. So when they finally got an adoption date, they were elated..until the Covid-19 pandemic closed the courts the day before their adoption.
Bethany and Carly were on a rollercoaster in the process of adopting their foster daughter, Shay. Even though her birth mother had surrendered her rights, the adoption process was taking longer than expected. Then, the coronavirus struck. Bethany and Carly had to face the fact that their adoption wouldn't look like they had imagined.
Just a reminder to all of our families that embrella is still here for you, no matter what!
Here's just a taste of Jahaad Johnson's story. Watch out for the full video on futureisfamily.org on May 1st!
embrella is here to answer questions you may have during this time regarding visits, DCF practices or just general venting and coping that we are all dealing with!
Sign up now for our up-to-date COVID-19 webinars: https://www.embrella.org/webinars/
Foster and adoptive Mom Jaleesa Graham talks about her journey as a foster parent, including adopting one of her first foster children, Gabe. From rough times living in a car, to success at landing frequent modeling work, Jaleesa has experienced a lot, and she's grateful to share her stable life with the kids who come through her home. See more stories like this at www.futureisfamily.org! #fostercare #fosterparents #truestories #realstories #realpeople #thisisfostercare
In the second installment of The Future is Family, Amber shares her story. Amber was removed from her home at age twelve, and would spend much the twelve years without a stable home. What does she have to say about the experience? Watch the video to find out. #fostercare #fosteryouth #kidsincare #fosterfamilies #fosterparents #fostermom #fosterdad #fosterhome #adoption
Trailer for the long-form video where former foster youth Amber discusses her removal from home, aging out of care and becoming a social worker and mother of two. She urges foster parents to practice patience and says that "the little things" like taking extra care to make sure a youth feels nurtured, can make a big difference. #fosteryouth #fostercare #youthincare #fostercareadoption #agingout
Check out this preview is what to come in this February's Future is Family featuring the Conway-Childs family! #fosterparents #kids #children #fosteryouth #fostercare #fostercareadoption #adoption #adoptiveparents
Have you checked out embrella's podcast, What the Foster? Hear REAL stories of foster care from former foster youth themselves. Six episodes are streaming now! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-foster/id1486213760 https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/embrella/what-the-foster
Here at embrella, we have been thinking about how grateful we are for our families. Happy Thanksgiving from our families to yours.
Check out this family's amazing story! Watch the full vido on our website: https://www.futureisfamily.org/portfolio/video-the-boys/
Have you listened to our podcast, What the Foster, yet? Check it out here---> https://www.futureisfamily.org/portfolio/what-the-foster/
Check out The Future Is Family website!!!!
embrella's podcast, What the Foster, is coming soon! Stay tuned for real stories from foster care...
Meet Ethan, the middle of five brothers adopted by the Sanchez-Berrios family in April. Look out for the full story this fall!
Here's another sneak peek at What the Foster, a podcast dedicated to sharing the real stories of real people involved in the foster care system.
Last year Taylor Swift made a generous donation to NJ foster families - she sent over 1,000 families to a concert on her reputation tour! Here are some photos from the concert. Big thank you from these families!
Meet Xavier, the oldest of the five brothers recently adopted by the incredible Sanchez-Berrios family. Keep an eye out for the full story in The Future Is Family this fall!
We're very proud to annouce What the Foster, a podcast dedicated to sharing the real stories of real people involved in the foster care system.
Show off your foster parent pride with one of embrella's otter pups! Visit www.embrella.org/otter to get one of your very own!
Save the date for a FAFSA-based Passport to Education on Saturday October 26th, 2019! This event will feature a vendor fair, workshops and speakers to help students, resource parents and caseworkers learn about different opportunities for foster youth after high school!
Brian and John never could have imagined the joy that would come from being foster parents. Watch how two men fostered four kids, dealt with a drug addicted baby, and handled the hardest moment of their lives. To embrella, they and their family are true #FosterCareSuperheroes. What's your foster care origin story? Share your #fostercaresuperhero story with embrella in the comments below, or at any of our social media pages: Facebook: www.facebook.com/embrella.nj Twitter: @embrella_nj Instagram: @embrella.nj
It's Pride Month! Thank you to New Jersey's LGBTQ resource families and to Garden State Equality for providing the entire embrella staff with a presentation to help us better support families and youth. Love is love!
As a foster care nonprofit dedicated to embracing and empowering families, we’ve served New Jersey’s most vulnerable children for more than 45 years. In this time, we’ve seen the incredible, life-changing work moms and dads have made in shaping a better and brighter future for our foster, adoptive and kinship kids.
Junior Achievement High School Heroes
4365 US Highway 1Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
100 Stellarator RdJames Madison Program in American Ideals and
Bobst Hall - 83 Prospect AveKingston Volunteer Fire Department #1
8 Heathcote Road, Kingston, NJ 08528, KingstonThe Banzai Institute - Sourlands Campus
88 River DrPlainsboro Recreation & Community Services
641 Plainsboro Road, PlainsboroPlainsboro Human Relations Council
641 Plainsboro Rd, PlainsboroPlainsboro Township Police Department
641 Plainsboro Rd, PlainsboroThe Association for the Study of Black Women
Plainsboro 08901