The initial HEY Emancipated Youth Advocacy Board (EYAB) was comprised of a five emancipated foster youth ages 16-25. The first youth team included active community-based current and former foster youth advocates that were interested in supporting and carrying out the work of HEY. The board focused on collectively working to address issues and barriers in the foster care community during a 12 month term. The team received on-going issue specific training throughout their term. The structure was very loose and the team was supported by adults who acted as mentors to the team. At this time the EYAB gradually began to represent HEY at various events and by doing so increased HEY’s visibility and raised public awareness of the needs of foster youth in the San Francisco and Bay Area community.
The First Team Included:
Kathleen Casela
Serenity Enriquez
Rocheall Pierre
Claudia Rodriguez
Israel Toro
Pictures from the 2003–2004 EYAB’s Term
