Cohort 1 fellows joined the Foster America leadership team in Washington, DC for several days of reflection and celebration of their first year of fellowship service. The gathering started as current fellows supported the Selection Day interview process for Cohort 2 candidates by sharing their experiences during a lunch panel at Halcyon. On Tuesday, the group convened for a day of thoughtful reflection and future program development, guided by Randi Walters and Peter Watson from Casey Family Programs. Fellows also received coaching on presentation skills from Sarah Hurwitz, former speechwriter to First Lady Michelle Obama. On Wednesday, fellows put their coaching into action and delivered riveting final presentations on their work in the child welfare agencies serving Allegheny County (PA), New York City (NY), and Rhode Island. Thanks to the many friends and supporters who joined us for this event hosted at Casey Family Programs.
We are inspired every day by the impact of the Foster America fellows and look forward to another great year ahead!
In 2026, Foster America marks a decade of building an alternative to a child welfare system rooted in crisis—and proving that families thrive when support comes early, with dignity, and led by community.
