Vlad Bonds

He/Him/His

Hi everyone, my name is Vlad Bonds and I live in Columbus, Georgia. I am currently a full-time student at Columbus State University, as well as an athlete and part-time employee. My goal is to work in either medicine or on the athletic side. This goal is important to me because I enjoy medicine and helping people. I enjoy helping people and strengthening weak connections. Naturally, I was interested in joining the CARES project and becoming an ambassador to support the community. The CARES project is important for older youth transitioning out of foster care because from my personal experience and many other experiences in the community support is needed. When I am not at work, you can find me training for soccer and hanging out with friends.

#CARES4Power

Follow us on Instagram to learn more about our work, the CARES Ambassadors, and the policies we are building to advance change for all transition age youth.

We know that children and youth do best when they are able to remain in their homes and communities. And when families do become known to the child welfare system, it is the system’s responsibility to partner with families in ways that promote autonomy and provide supports and resources that keep families together. ⁣
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For LGBTQ+ youth and their families, this requires having a system, including staff, that engage youth and families with dignity and are affirming and responsive to their needs, as well as partnerships with a broader network of community-based supports that can meet families’ needs.⁣
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Check out our full statement on how Systems, policies, and communities play an important role in affirming LGBTQ+ young people in the foster care system on our blog.  🔗 in bio.
Young people want to be seen for their whole selves and deserve to feel encouraged, affirmed, and supported as they make their way in the world. 
 
Join us TODAY from 2:30-3:45 PM ET for a panel discussion hosted by @chcidc to talk about opportunities to support and affirm #LGBTQ young people in foster care, featuring LA Ambassador @danie.rose_ 
 
Learn more and register at https://bit.ly/3VcAbA07m
Check out #Atlanta CARES Ambassador Vlad speaking 🗣️ about how he feels about creating policies that help transition-age youth. “Something that I’ll say I enjoy a lot about being a CARES Ambassador is improving people’s lives and giving opportunities. Making policies that will help youth and people in need.”
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 #CARES #fostercare #policy #youthpolicies #CARESAmbassador
Check out CARES Ambassador Joseph Mariscal talking about some of the challenges with accessing benefits from state to state and what universal policies should be protected for transition aged youth. #CARES #fostercare #healthcare
#tbt to President Leonard Burton winning the high-five challenge at @ctrsocialpolicy’s 2023 Constituent Convening!