Welcoming Jocelyn: A Powerful New Voice for Our Mission
May is Both National Mental Health Awareness Month and National Foster Care Month
These are two causes that are deeply connected to our mission. At iCARE, we know that children in adoptive, foster, and kinship families often carry big stories—stories of loss, fear, and resilience—that don’t simply vanish when they enter a loving home. Healing takes time, understanding, and support—and that starts with the systems that surround them, especially our schools. That’s why I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce someone who embodies this mission: Jocelyn Fetting. Jocelyn is a fierce advocate with lived experience, having spent nine years in the foster care system. She was a recipient of the Illinois DCFS Scholarship and is now pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Illinois. Jocelyn currently serves as an intern with the DCFS Foster Youth Advisory Committee and will soon step into the role of Program Coordinator. Jocelyn has stepped up as a champion for iCARE’s efforts to get Connection Kits™ into schools and will be speaking at our July Legislative Roundtable. She brings invaluable personal insight into what was missing from her school experience—and how life-changing it would have been if her educators had the tools and training to truly support her and others. Her voice is powerful, and we are honored to have her in our corner as we work to create real, systemic change.
These are two causes that are deeply connected to our mission. At iCARE, we know that children in adoptive, foster, and kinship families often carry big stories—stories of loss, fear, and resilience—that don’t simply vanish when they enter a loving home.
Healing takes time, understanding, and support—and that starts with the systems that surround them, especially our schools.
That’s why I’m absolutely thrilled to introduce someone who embodies this mission: Jocelyn Fetting. Jocelyn is a fierce advocate with lived experience, having spent nine years in the foster care system. She was a recipient of the Illinois DCFS Scholarship and is now pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Illinois. Jocelyn currently serves as an intern with the DCFS Foster Youth Advisory Committee and will soon step into the role of Program Coordinator.
Jocelyn has stepped up as a champion for iCARE’s efforts to get Connection Kits™ into schools and will be speaking at our July Legislative Roundtable. She brings invaluable personal insight into what was missing from her school experience—and how life-changing it would have been if her educators had the tools and training to truly support her and others. Her voice is powerful, and we are honored to have her in our corner as we work to create real, systemic change.
Also in this issue, we’re excited to highlight contributions from other incredible champions of vulnerable children:
- Cathleen Beachboard, author of The School of Hope, teacher, and adoptive mom of five, inspires schools across the country to become Hope-Makers and Healers. Her “Hope Scale” will now be featured in our future Connection Kits.
- Pam Myers, a Reggio-inspired artist and therapist who runs Purple Finch Studio on the North Shore of Illinois, shows us how art can be a catalyst for healing in children who’ve experienced trauma.
- And from a powerful parent perspective, we share a heartfelt story from a dad whose child was unintentionally impacted by a classroom “Adopt-a-Peep” project—an example of how something intended for good, and easily taken for granted by others, can feel confusing or painful for children who have experienced trauma or loss. Stories like his are a reminder of why thoughtful, inclusive practices matter so deeply.
Don’t miss our Legislative Spotlight, where iCARE is leading the conversation on how schools can confidently partner with caregivers, navigate legal frameworks, and create inclusive, healing-centered communities.
And I’m especially excited to share the launch of our brand-new Quick Start Guide, now included in every Connection Kit™. This guide aligns our resources with the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) framework, making it easier than ever for schools and caregivers to find exactly what they need to support children at every level.
We are building something powerful—and with voices like those of Jocelyn, Cathleen, Pam, and this courageous father, the momentum is only growing!
With Gratitude,
Laura
