On May 8, 2010, Fostering Memories was asked to participate in a special Youth Empowerment Symposium through the San Diego County Office of of Education (with support by the Commission on Children, Youth and Families & Casey Family Programs). The event was intended for current and former Foster Youth and was held at the University of San Diego.
Youth attending had the opportunity to participate in a frank and open conversation with inspirational keynote speaker Jaiya John and received a memorable keepsake photograph by Fostering Memories, along with an autographed copy of Jaiya’s book.
Laurie was impressed with Jaiya’s insight, experience and eloquence. The following is an excerpt from his book Beautiful which captures her inspiration for her work with Fostering Memories.
I know the truth
to be charitable is to honor the beauty of another soul
thereby opening yourself up to that beauty
receiving its hidden gift
when we help another
we are not giving charity
we are receiving it
from life’s great beauty waiting within the gift of a gift
Keynote Speaker, Jaiya John
The event featured keynote speaker Jaiya John, founder of Soul Water Rising and author of the award-winning memoir Black Baby White Hands: A View From the Crib. Jaiya was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Immediately placed in foster care and eventually adopted, Jaiya’s childhood branded in him a burning passion for giving his life to improve the way human beings relate to each other. Please learn more about his story at his website http://www.soulwater.org/.
