Urgency to Act: Unlocking Foster Youth Wellbeing
DJay’s Corner
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A Wellness Space for Foster Youth Leaders
DJay’s Corner is a trauma-informed wellness space created by the National Foster Youth Institute that equips young adults with the tools, strategies, and community to take care of their physical and mental well being. Staffed by social workers, DJay’s Corner provides respite to program participants during conferences and events and serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care — even when we’re caring for others.
DJay’s Corner is named after Dosha “Djay” Joi, an NFYI member who was a champion for foster youth, and who utilized the wellness space frequently when he participated in our programs. DJay was remembered as someone who always looked after his peers with an upbeat and joyful attitude. Even when he was struggling, he was a support for others and a fierce advocate for system change.
Designed by a group of social workers in partnership with our program participants in partnership with our program participants, DJay’s Corner is a flexible wellness space that can be set up at different events and conferences, offering a quiet retreat wherever it’s needed so that program participants can seek support in working through a challenging moment or simply take a break from a stimulating environment.
This may mean talking to a staff member trained in trauma-informed care or doing a quiet activity,
meditating, or listening to soothing music. The staff, all licensed clinical social workers,
help participants learn new coping skills and provide support in managing big emotions or intense experiences.
DJay’s Corner staffers are also on call throughout conferences, ready to truly meet program participants where they are, no matter the time or the physical
location of the youth who needs support.
DJay’s Corner has been used at the Congressional Foster Youth Shadow Day, the Los Angeles Foster Youth Shadow Day, the Chafee 25th Anniversary celebration, and in virtual spaces.
If you’re planning a conference with lived experience experts and want to bring DJay’s Corner to your event, please email us here. If you’d like to donate to support DJay’s Corner, please click here.