Rising Above the Odds Against Me: Girls Only Summit

There are many unfortunate consequences that foster care youth face as they prepare to “age-out” of the system. Intervention on behalf of this “At-Risk” population can play a key role in motivating such individuals to excel and to rise above the limitations that often arise because of their circumstances.  

Mission: To offer a variety of interactive sessions that will promote independence, security, self-esteem and personal development.  A special focus of the conference will be to provide youth with a forum to discuss their challenges and ambitions and to encourage them to develop a plan for achieving their goals.

Proposed Agenda:

8:30     Registration / Check – In / Light Continental Breakfast

9:15     Welcome / Introduction

9:30     Presentation 1:  You Are a Precious Gem-Building Loving Relationships – Dr. Gail Parker

10:30   Presentation 2:  Refining the Jewel - Healing the Wounds of the Past – Min. LaShun Franklin

11:30   Break

11:45   Feature Presentation: Diamond in the Rough to Princess Cut – Dr. Charisse Gibert           

12:45   Break

1:00     Lunch - Discovering the Treasures Within - Ms. Cherish Thomas

2:00     Polishing the Jewel - Life Management Workshops (45 mins)

Workshop 1:  Planning for your Success – (Goal setting for academic and personal success)-  Ms. Tiffany Smith  

Workshop 2:   Investing in your Future – (Money management strategies)-                                   Ms. Gail Perry-Mason

Workshop 3: This is why I Rock (special presentation)- Mrs. Tanisha N. Bolden

Workshop 4: Adding the Bling - Mrs. Karen Wicker

5:00     Open Mic- Sharing the Treasures-Open Discussion
6:00     Open Forum - Question and Answer Session / Closing Remarks

Conference History:

In January of 2009, Ms. Cherish Thomas had a vision to host a conference to empower and equip foster youth with the tools needed to live a successful life.  With the help of her fellow students, faculty and staff at the University of Michigan as well as many community partners, Ms. Thomas was able to host the “Rising Above the Odds Against Me” Foster Care Youth Conference on April 25, 2009.  The conference was based on three elements - 1) Self-Awareness 2) Spiritual Healing and 3) Educational Advancement - all of which were instrumental in helping Ms. Thomas to achieve success.  Nearly 100 youth were in attendance and, based on the event surveys, many of them left with hope for a brighter future.  Several of the attendees stated that “…if Cherish can make it, so can I!”

In addition to meeting the needs of foster youth, it was hoped that the conference would serve as a Call to Action for general citizens, educators and community leaders to confront the issues that affect this often overlooked population of youth by supporting, uplifting and empowering them to realize their full potential.

Based on the success of this event, Ms. Thomas was asked by the Honorable Edward Sosnick of the Oakland County Circuit Court, to assist in hosting a foster care youth conference in Oakland County.  The 2^nd Annual “Rising Above the Odds Against Me” Foster Care Youth Conference was held on May 8, 2010.  The conference featured the same thematic elements as the first event and delivered a similar impact. A highlight from the conference was the keynote presentation by former Michigan Supreme Court Justice and current Director of the Department of Human Services, Maura Corrigan.

Based on these experiences, Ms. Thomas would now like to provide a conference that focuses on the needs of female foster youth.  This new format will provide an opportunity to more effectively address the issues that these young ladies face. Ms. Thomas is excited about this new approach and looks forward to providing the attendees with a day that will bring healing, empowerment and personal development.