Celebrating Every Voice in Foster Care: Art, Experience & Community Connection
On May 1st, Utah Foster Care partnered with Entrata—our generous host—to present a moving and powerful event centered on the lived experiences within foster care. From the moment guests walked into the vibrant art exhibit, featuring work from children in care and foster families, it was clear: this was more than an event. It was a celebration of resilience, identity, and the many faces of foster care.
Showcasing Lived Experience Through Art & Story
The evening began with an emotional showcase of artwork created by those directly impacted by foster care. Each piece told a story—sometimes joyful, sometimes difficult—but always honest. It reminded us that behind every placement and every case number is a child, a family, and a community.
But it didn’t stop at art. Attendees had the rare opportunity to hear from people with firsthand experience through two diverse panels, moderated by board member Robin Huling and Youth Ambassador Freedom Shearer. These conversations included single foster parents, birth parents, a former child in care, and a kinship caregiver—all sharing their unique perspectives.
By highlighting the full spectrum of foster care experiences, the panels created space for empathy, understanding, and dialogue.
Real People, Real Impact
Jennie Shepard, our Director of Recruitment, said it best:
“These are just normal people doing some hard things, but it doesn’t require a superhuman, you know — like these are just normal kids, normal families being foster parents.”
Foster care doesn’t require perfection. It requires people willing to show up with open hearts and a willingness to grow.
The Need Is Critical—And You Can Help
Utah is in critical need of foster families—especially those who can support teens, sibling groups, and children with complex needs. But if now isn’t the right time for you to foster, there are many other ways to support the foster care community. From volunteering and donating to simply spreading awareness, every action counts.
Get Involved Today
Whether you’re ready to open your home or just want to learn more, we invite you to take the first step. Visit utahfostercare.org to explore ways to support children and families in foster care.
Together, we can create a stronger, more compassionate community—one story, one connection, and one child at a time.
