Ashley and New York: Helping Our Community's Youth @ New Yorkers For Children Fall Gala

9/21/11

Helping Our Community's Youth @ New Yorkers For Children Fall Gala

Gala co-hosts pose with awardee Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony recieves the award for his advocacy

Tennis star Serena Williams

Supermodel Selita Ebanks

The New Yorkers For Children (NYFC) Fall Gala was very inspirational to me because it hit close to home for me. Like the children and youth NYFC services, I too was a foster child who later became adopted. I have always known I would adopt children and not have my own. There are too many in need children on this planet who desperately need families, which is why I feel more people should adopt. I really appreciate the work NYFC does, and last night I felt a calling to work more with foster children like I used to do in Los Angeles with a group called Living Advantage which helped foster youth transition into adulthood. I wish I was in a financial situation where I could be a foster parent, and hopefully if my plans in NY come into fruition I just might have the security and self-sufficiency where I can welcome a child into my home. Every time I see a toddler or young child on the subway looking at me I feel this longing to be a mother. Until then, I would like to get more involved talking to foster youth. If you too would like to help foster youth in NY, go to NYFC's site: http://newyorkersforchildren.org/category/get-involved/